The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a large-scale visa scam involving the fraudulent collection of ₦500 million.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesman of the Lagos State Police in a statement on Wednesday revealed the identities of the suspects as Blessing Wefsutu ‘f’ aged 27, Chineye Christian ‘f’ aged 36, Archibong Udeme Ifereke ‘m’ aged 23, and Maurine Peter ‘m’ aged 25.
According to Hundeyin, the case which was initially reported at the Ago Okota Police Division was subsequently transferred to the SCID.
“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,” said Hundeyin.
“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.”
CP Olohundare Jimoh, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has advised the public to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of travel and recruitment agencies before engaging in any visa-related transactions.
Jimoh has also assured the public that the police remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements.
