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Police Arraign Visa Agent Over Alleged N7.6 Million Fraud in Ibadan

Published

3 months ago

July 7, 2026

Court Orders 10 Strokes of Cane for Bus Conductor Who Slapped Female Passenger

Police Arraign Visa Agent Over Alleged N7.6 Million Fraud in Ibadan

IBADAN — The police on Monday arraigned a 36-year-old visa agent, Lawal Idris, before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding an intending emigrant, Atinuke Adeoso, of N7.6 million under the pretence of procuring Canadian or Spanish work visas for her, in a case that highlights the growing epidemic of visa fraud in Nigeria, where unlicensed agents exploit the desperation of citizens seeking to travel abroad in search of better opportunities. The defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty, and the prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Ibrahim, alleged that between November and December 2025, the defendant fraudulently obtained N7,660,000 from Ms Adeoso, knowing that the offer of procuring foreign work visas was false, and fraudulently converted the money to his own use, thereby defrauding the victim of her hard-earned savings.

According to the prosecutor, the offence was committed at No 48, Taiwo House, Sango area of Ibadan, and contravenes Section 383 and is punishable under Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which criminalise stealing and fraudulent obtaining of property. The magistrate, M. Mudashiru, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be his close relative and must possess a voter’s card or driver’s licence, and he adjourned the matter until August 10 for a hearing, giving the prosecution time to prepare its case and the defence to respond to the allegations.

This case is far from isolated, as visa-related fraud has quietly grown into one of the fastest-rising sources of financial loss among middle-income Nigerians desperate to relocate abroad, with the EFCC reporting that it received more than 1,200 complaints regarding fake US visas and job offers in 2025 alone, with victims losing an estimated N4.7 billion to these scams. Between 2020 and 2024, Interpol Nigeria estimates that Nigerians lost at least $60 million to migration scams, though the true figure may be significantly higher, as many victims refrain from reporting due to embarrassment or fear, which enables criminal networks to persist and continue defrauding unsuspecting citizens. Experts have warned that Nigeria risks creating a shadow fraud economy worth as much as N50 billion as fraudsters prey on citizens’ desperation to travel abroad, and between 2022 and September 2023 alone, an estimated 3.68 million Nigerians left the country, with Afrobarometer reporting that 56 per cent of Nigerians have considered emigrating, up from 36 per cent in 2017, creating a fertile ground for scammers.

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This soaring demand has opened the door for scammers who operate without any licensing framework to regulate migration services in the country, and authorities acknowledge the explosion in such crimes, with the EFCC reporting that petitions on travel and visa scams jumped 48 per cent in early 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the sharpest spike on record. Scammers have intensified their tactics, using fake websites, unsolicited social media messages, and urgent calls to pressure applicants into making payments, often promising fast approvals or guaranteed visas in return, while leaving victims stranded after they have paid substantial sums of money that they can ill afford to lose.

Lawal Idris is not alone in facing such allegations, as police and anti-corruption agencies across Nigeria have recently intensified efforts to tackle a growing wave of visa fraud and travel scams. In Lagos State, the police recently arrested a syndicate that allegedly defrauded more than 100 victims of over N500 million by falsely claiming to facilitate Canadian and Australian work visas, and the suspects, aged between 23 and 36, operated under the guise of an educational consultancy, collecting money from applicants through personal bank accounts and unofficial channels while never submitting legitimate applications. Similarly, in Osun State, police arrested a 54-year-old man over alleged visa fraud involving N8,410,000, where the suspect presented himself as a travel agent but allegedly absconded with the money and became unreachable, leaving his victims without recourse. In a related case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating a travel agent and visa consultant, Chukwujindu Goodness Nchekwube, for allegedly defrauding about 24 persons of approximately N68 million under the pretence of processing work visas, with some victims reportedly receiving forged visas and offer letters after making substantial payments. Additionally, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently arraigned a woman in Ekiti over an alleged N159 million visa fraud, demonstrating the scale and geographical spread of the problem across the country.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a formal warning to Nigerians planning international travel, emphasising that visa application fraud is on the rise and urging strict adherence to official procedures to avoid falling victim, and the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) has been at the forefront of these efforts, investigating and prosecuting offenders. According to police and anti-fraud experts, applicants should be wary of several red flags, including requests for payment into personal bank accounts, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, promises of guaranteed visa approval or “fast-track” processing, pressure to act quickly to secure limited slots, agents operating solely through social media without physical offices, demand for upfront fees without proper documentation, and instructions to submit false information, all of which are common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Experts advise Nigerians to take ownership of their travel plans and verify all information directly from official embassy websites or government-approved agents, and immigration strategist Joseph Dangana advises that before engaging anyone, Nigerians should verify through the Nigerian Immigration Service’s official registry, as people have been known to land abroad only to be deported instantly for travelling with forged papers. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced the Nigeria Certified Immigration Agent (NCIA) initiative to professionalise visa facilitation services by certifying and regulating authorised agents, providing a framework for identifying legitimate service providers. Police urge victims of visa fraud to report suspicious activity to law enforcement without delay, noting that many victims refrain from reporting due to embarrassment or fear, which enables criminal networks to persist and continue defrauding other unsuspecting citizens, and they have set up a dedicated Immigration Fraud Section with offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, working closely with the Nigerian Immigration Service and foreign embassies to dismantle visa rackets and fake travel document syndicates.

Police Arraign Visa Agent Over Alleged N7.6 Million Fraud in Ibadan

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Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

Published

1 hour ago

October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Tsuagh, is among four people confirmed dead following a boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

The accident occurred on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as passengers were travelling across the Buruku River after attending a burial ceremony. Most of those on board were reportedly from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that four bodies had been recovered, while nine passengers remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.

SEMA Information Officer, Tema Ager, said the number of people who were aboard the boat was still being established because different accounts had emerged from survivors, relatives and community members.

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An earlier estimate suggested that more than 200 people may have been on the vessel, while subsequent information put the number of passengers believed to have been involved at about 138. The boat was also carrying numerous motorcycles.

Ager said 125 passengers had been rescued as of Monday, while divers and other rescue personnel continued searching for those still unaccounted for.

The rescue operation is also focused on recovering motorcycles and other belongings that went into the river. Authorities said 38 motorcycles were believed to have entered the water, with five subsequently recovered.

Initial accounts attributed the mishap to engine failure, overloading and difficulties encountered while attempts were made to rescue passengers. Another preliminary account from the state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, said a strong current swept the boat into an abandoned barge, causing it to overturn.

The differing preliminary accounts are expected to be clarified as the authorities complete their investigation.

Following the accident, the Benue State Government suspended the Buruku crossing-point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers.

Iyaghigba also ordered the suspension of the line operator and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident pending investigation.

SEMA has continued to appeal to passengers using the state’s waterways to observe water safety measures, particularly the use of life jackets and compliance with instructions from maritime officials.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about maritime safety in Benue, including passenger capacity, boat maintenance, enforcement of safety regulations and the need for safer river crossings.

Search and rescue efforts are continuing as authorities work to account for all passengers believed to have been aboard the vessel.

Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

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Rivers Police Arrest OSPAC Operative Over Alleged Killing, Secret Burial

Published

1 hour ago

October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe

Rivers Police Arrest OSPAC Operative Over Alleged Killing, Secret Burial

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a member of the Onelga Security and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) over the alleged killing and secret burial of a man in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The suspect, identified as Felix Dibia, is accused of killing Francis Chibuzor Ogwu during an incident reported on October 1, 2026.

According to the police, Dibia allegedly accosted Ogwu and another man along a road in Omoku and ordered both men to sit on the ground. While Ogwu reportedly complied, the other man allegedly fled from the scene.

Dibia allegedly shot Ogwu and subsequently buried his body in a shallow grave before leaving the area.

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The alleged incident came to light the following day, prompting the Rivers Police Command to launch an investigation.

Police investigators subsequently arrested Dibia and recovered a firearm allegedly linked to the incident.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed the arrest and said the investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

The command said the suspect would be subjected to due process as investigators work to determine what led to the alleged killing and whether any other person was involved.

The police have not disclosed further details about the recovery of Ogwu’s remains or whether additional suspects have been arrested.

The case has renewed attention on the activities of vigilante groups and community security outfits operating in parts of Rivers State, particularly the need for such groups to operate within the law while supporting conventional security agencies.

Dibia remains in police custody as the investigation continues, and the allegations against him have not been established in court.

Rivers Police Arrest OSPAC Operative Over Alleged Killing, Secret Burial

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Adeleke Signs New Law to Regulate Motor Parks Across Osun

Published

2 hours ago

October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Adeleke Signs New Law to Regulate Motor Parks Across Osun

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has signed the Osun State Park Management Bill, 2026 into law, providing a new legal framework for the administration of motor parks and transport-related activities across the state.

The legislation, signed in Osogbo, is aimed at restructuring the management of motor parks, improving accountability in the transport sector and addressing longstanding disputes over the control and administration of parks.

The new law provides for a more organised system of park management, including measures to regulate operations, improve revenue collection and reduce leakages in the system.

It also introduces provisions for digital ticketing, with the aim of eliminating multiple ticketing and making revenue collection more transparent. The framework is expected to strengthen oversight of commercial transport activities while reducing opportunities for extortion and other irregular practices.

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Under the new law, activities such as thuggery, violence and other unlawful conduct within motor parks are prohibited, as the state seeks to create a safer and more orderly environment for transport operators and commuters.

The legislation follows renewed efforts by the Adeleke administration to address disputes and insecurity associated with the control of motor parks in Osun.

The governor had earlier directed the reintroduction of a formal Park Management System following the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, in Ile-Ife. The incident heightened concerns over rival interests and disputes surrounding motor park operations.

Following the development, the state government ordered rival groups to vacate motor parks and directed security agencies to restore order while steps were taken to establish a statutory framework for park administration.

The Osun State House of Assembly subsequently passed the park management legislation, paving the way for the governor’s assent.

With the signing of the bill, the state now has a statutory framework for regulating motor parks, garages, loading points, transport operations and related revenue collection.

The implementation of the law is expected to bring changes to the way parks are administered and how transport operators interact with the state government. Its effectiveness will depend largely on enforcement, transparency and the cooperation of transport stakeholders.