Lagos Police Bust ₦500M Visa Fraud, Four Arrested

A visa racket worth over ₦500 million has been uncovered by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, with four suspects now in custody for allegedly defrauding more than 100 unsuspecting victims.

The arrested individuals—Blessing Wefsutu, 27; Chineye Christian, 36; Archibong Udeme Ifereke, 23; and Maurine Peter, 25—were staff of an educational consultancy firm operating out of the Ago Okota area of Lagos.

What began as a routine complaint at the Ago Okota Police Division quickly snowballed into a major investigation. The case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, where detectives uncovered a sophisticated scheme targeting desperate job seekers.

According to police findings, the consultancy firm allegedly posed as a legitimate visa processing agency, promising quick and guaranteed Canadian and Australian work visas in exchange for hefty payments. Victims, believing they were on their way to a better life, paid millions. But when no jobs or visas materialized, suspicions grew—and the police were called in.

Confirming the breakthrough, Lagos police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin revealed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that over 100 victims were scammed out of a total sum exceeding ₦500 million.

“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” the statement added.

Police investigations suggest that the fraud network may be larger than initially believed, with several accomplices still on the run.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to verify the credibility of travel and recruitment firms before entering into any visa-related deals.

He reiterated the command’s resolve to shield the public from fraudsters, stating: “The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.”