The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a suspected serial fraudster allegedly defrauding Nigerians under the guise of visa processing.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, saying the suspect is being interrogated for allegedly obtaining a total of N19.9 million from three victims who sought his assistance in securing visas.
Oyewale identified the victims as Osmond Ugwu, Ugwu Chidubem, and Amadiani Chinedu, who all claimed to have been duped by the suspect.
According to the statement, Ugwu met the suspect in 2018 while planning to travel abroad. “The suspect reportedly presented himself as a visa agent and lured him with an offer of a Red Cross-sponsored visa to the United States of America at the cost of N1.8 million, excluding his flight ticket.
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Ugwu allegedly paid N4 million for the arrangement, as well as other payments, bringing the total sum the suspect collected from him to N11.8 million,” Oyewale said.
The second victim, Chidubem, claimed the suspect conspired with a friend to defraud him of N5.9 million. “The suspect assured Chidubem that he would procure genuine documents for him to further pursue his football career abroad,” Oyewale added.
The third petitioner, Chinedu, alleged that he was defrauded of N2.2 million to secure a work permit and visa to migrate to Australia.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 44-year-old suspect, an electrical engineer, had been presenting himself as a visa processing agent, assisting people to migrate abroad. “It was also discovered that he is not a licensed travel agent,” Oyewale said.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspect will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded. The case highlights growing concerns over unlicensed travel agents and visa brokers who exploit the desperation of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.