From Our Correspondent
Lagos State Police Command said its operatives have arrested four suspects in connection with the 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.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin revealed this Wednesday in Lagos.
The police spokesperson said the suspects were staff of an educational consultancy company in Ago Okota area.
According to him, “The case which was initially reported at Ago Okota Division was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, all staff of an educational consultancy company located in Ago Okota, fraudulently obtained N500 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 Ago Okota Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department 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.
“Further investigations revealed that the syndicate includes additional accomplices and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and bring them to justice upon conclusion of investigation.
“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,” Hundeyin said.
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 conclusion of investigation.
