LAGOS – The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals over a N500 million visa scam that defrauded more than 100 Nigerians with false promises of employment abroad.
The suspects — Blessing Wefsutu, Chinenye Christian, Archibong Udeme Ifereke, and Maurine Peter — were identified as staff members of an educational consultancy based in the Ago Okota area of Lagos.
In a statement issued Wednesday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the case was initially filed at the Ago Okota Police Division and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba for further investigation.
“Preliminary findings show the suspects collected over N500 million from unsuspecting victims, claiming they could secure work visas for Canada and Australia,” Hundeyin said.
He added that several other suspects connected to the fraud ring remain at large, with police efforts ongoing to apprehend them.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has advised the public to verify the authenticity of travel and job placement agencies before engaging in visa-related deals. He warned that fraudsters are increasingly preying on Nigerians’ aspirations to seek better opportunities abroad.
“This incident highlights the need for thorough due diligence,” Jimoh stated, urging citizens to confirm an agency’s legitimacy before parting with their money.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
