Dare Babalola
Four suspected scammers have been apprehended by men of the Lagos State Police Command.
The suspects were identified as Blessing Wefsutu, 27; Chineye Christian, 36; Archibong Udeme Ifereke, 23; and Maurine Peter, 25.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement via X platform on Wednesday, the suspects were arrested in connection with a multi-million naira visa scam.
Hundeyin also alleged that the syndicate, who were all staff members of an educational consultancy firm based in the Ago Okota area of Lagos, is behind the fraudulent operation that defrauded over 100 people of more than N500m.
He noted that the case was initially reported at the Ago Okota Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba for a more in-depth probe.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the consultancy firm, under the guise of facilitating Canadian and Australian work visas, allegedly collected large sums of money from unsuspecting victims. The suspects reportedly promised guaranteed employment opportunities abroad but failed to deliver on their commitments, leading to suspicions and eventual police involvement.
Hundeyin said, “Further investigations indicate that the syndicate includes additional accomplices who are currently at large.
“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.”
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged residents to be cautious and verify the authenticity of travel and recruitment agencies before engaging in any visa-related transactions.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding the public from fraudulent schemes and ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
