The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports alleging that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, is under investigation over an alleged visa racketeering scheme.
The anti-graft agency clarified on Tuesday that although it is investigating several immigration officers over alleged visa fraud, the ongoing probe does not involve the NIS Comptroller-General.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, who described media reports linking Nandap to the investigation as false and misleading.
According to the Commission, there is no criminal investigation or case involving the Immigration boss.
“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG,” the statement read.
The EFCC, however, confirmed that criminal proceedings are already ongoing against some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service over alleged visa-related fraud.
It disclosed that the affected officers are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court.
“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court,” the Commission stated.
The anti-corruption agency further revealed that its investigation into the alleged visa racketeering is still ongoing and may lead to the prosecution of additional officers of the Immigration Service.
According to the EFCC, fresh charges could be filed against more officials if ongoing investigations uncover further evidence of wrongdoing.
“Further investigations are ongoing with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future,” the statement added.
The Commission reiterated that despite the ongoing investigations involving some immigration personnel, the Comptroller-General remains completely unconnected to the matter.
It urged the public not to rely on unverified reports capable of creating false impressions about the investigation.
The EFCC also advised media organisations to verify information relating to its activities before publication to avoid misleading the public.
“The media is enjoined to always seek clarifications on the activities of the EFCC to avoid misrepresentation of facts,” the agency said.
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the ongoing visa fraud investigation, which has already resulted in criminal charges against several immigration officers.
The EFCC has consistently maintained that it will continue investigating all individuals allegedly involved in corrupt practices within public institutions while ensuring that only verified facts are communicated to the public.
