The police command in Lagos says its operatives have arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of about N500 million.
The suspects are Blessing Wefsutu, Chineye Christian, Archibong Udeme Ifereke, and Maurine Peter.
A statement issued Wednesday by Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police spokesperson, said the suspects are staff of an educational consultancy in Ago Okota area of Lagos.
“The case which was initially reported at the Ago Okota Division was subsequently transferred to the SCID for further investigation,” Hundeyin said.
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“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, all staff of an educational consultancy located in Ago Okota, fraudulently obtained a total of ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims under the false promise of securing Canadian and Australian work visas for them.”
He added that the case was initially reported at the Ago Okota police division before being transferred to the state criminal investigation department (SCID), Panti, Yaba for deeper investigation.
The police also disclosed that more members of the syndicate are currently at large, but efforts are underway to track and apprehend them.
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“Further investigations revealed that the syndicate includes additional accomplices; and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and bring them to justice upon conclusion of the investigation,” Hundeyin said.
“CP Olohundare Jimoh, advises the public to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of travel and recruitment agencies before engaging in any visa-related transactions.”
He warned that fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the desperation of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, and called on citizens to verify the credibility of such organisations before committing funds.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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