The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated visa scam that defrauded victims of approximately N500 million. The suspects, aged between 23 and 36 years, were employees of an educational consultancy firm based in the Ago Okota area of Lagos.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects were initially reported to the Ago Okota Police Division before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more comprehensive investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly defrauded more than 100 victims under the false pretense of securing work visas for Canada and Australia. The educational consultancy firm served as a front for their fraudulent operations.
"Further investigations have uncovered the involvement of additional accomplices within the syndicate. Efforts are ongoing to track down these people and ensure they are brought to justice once the investigation is concluded," Hundeyin stated in the release.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has issued a public advisory urging citizens to exercise due diligence when engaging with travel or recruitment agencies, particularly regarding visa application processes. This warning comes as visa scams continue to rise across Nigeria, with many desperate job seekers falling victim to fraudulent schemes promising overseas employment opportunities.
This case highlights the growing concern over immigration fraud in Nigeria, where economic challenges have led many citizens to seek opportunities abroad, creating a lucrative market for scammers who exploit these aspirations.
The police have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects as investigations continue. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have fallen victim to similar scams to come forward with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
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