Lagos Police Uncover ₦500million Visa Scam, Arrest Four Suspects Promising Canadian, Australian Jobs

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a sophisticated visa scam syndicate accused of defrauding over 100 Nigerians of a staggering ₦500 million under the guise of providing Canadian and Australian work visas. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) confirmed the arrest of four suspects linked to the massive visa fraud, according to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command. The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25), were all staff members of an educational consultancy operating in the Ago Okota area of Lagos. The fraudulent operation reportedly began when victims approached the consultancy seeking assistance to travel abroad for employment opportunities. Instead, investigators revealed, the syndicate collected huge sums from clients, falsely promising to secure valid work visas for Canada and Australia. Police investigations suggest that the scam involved additional accomplices, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the criminal network. The statement reads in part: “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. The suspects are Blessing Wefsutu ‘f’ aged 27, Chineye Christian ‘f’ aged 36, Archibong Udeme Ifereke ‘m’ aged 23, and Maurine Peter ‘m’ aged 25. “The case, which was initially reported at the Ago Okota Division, was subsequently transferred to the SCID for further investigation. 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. “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. “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, advises the public to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of travel and recruitment agencies before engaging in any visa-related transactions. He assures the public that the Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements.”