The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a large-scale visa scam that allegedly defrauded more than 100 Nigerians of approximately ₦500 million.
The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25) were taken into custody by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after preliminary findings linked them to fraudulent visa operations.
According to a statement released by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects were working as staff members at an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos State. The firm is accused of promising unsuspecting individuals access to Canadian and Australian work visas, which ultimately turned out to be non-existent.
The matter was initially brought to the attention of the police at the Ago Okota Division before being transferred to the SCID for thorough investigation. Hundeyin explained that preliminary investigations had uncovered that the accused persons had obtained a cumulative sum of ₦500 million from more than 100 people who had hoped to migrate abroad through legitimate means.
“The suspects fraudulently obtained ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims,” said Hundeyin in the statement, noting that the scam was carefully designed to exploit the growing demand for foreign work opportunities among Nigerians.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a public advisory urging residents to exercise extreme caution and verify the legitimacy of any travel, study, or recruitment agency before making financial commitments. He stressed the importance of due diligence, especially in cases involving visa processing and overseas employment promises.
“Residents must exercise due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams. The Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements,” CP Jimoh stated.
In the course of the investigation, police operatives discovered that the syndicate responsible for the operation had additional accomplices who remain at large. Authorities have vowed to apprehend the fugitives and ensure that everyone involved in the scam is brought to justice.
The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, where they are undergoing further interrogation. Law enforcement officials have assured that the investigation is ongoing and that every effort is being made to recover the stolen funds and dismantle the criminal network behind the scam.
What you should know
Four individuals have been arrested in Lagos over a visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of ₦500 million through fake promises of Canadian and Australian work permits.
Police warn the public to verify all visa-related offers and agencies to avoid falling prey to similar fraudulent schemes.
