The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old woman for allegedly defrauding more than 90 prospective travellers of ₦42.3 million through a fake visa processing scheme promising travel to Europe.
The suspect, identified as Adejoke Ayomide of Adesoye Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was apprehended following an intelligence-led investigation into allegations that she collected millions of naira from victims under the guise of securing visas to Spain, Portugal and France.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Thursday, the investigation was launched after the Command received a petition dated July 17, 2026, from Barrister Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates on behalf of the victims.
Preliminary findings revealed that between October 2024 and April 5, 2026, the suspect allegedly presented herself as a travel consultant capable of facilitating European visas and convinced the victims to entrust her with processing travel documents for over 93 intending travellers.
Police said the victims transferred a cumulative sum of **₦42,326,000** into the suspect’s OPay account for the purported visa processing.
However, instead of fulfilling the promised travel arrangements, the suspect allegedly became unreachable after receiving the funds, prompting the victims to seek police intervention.
Detectives of the Ondo State Police Command immediately commenced a comprehensive investigation, deploying intelligence gathering and forensic techniques to trace the suspect.
The operation culminated in her arrest on August 5, 2026.
Police disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements during interrogation.
Investigators are now working to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify possible accomplices and establish whether additional victims may have been affected.
The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the detectives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised their professionalism and diligence, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
The Command also advised members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel consultants and visa agents, urging prospective travellers to verify the authenticity of agencies before making payments and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The police reiterated their resolve to protect residents from fraud and other criminal activities while strengthening efforts to prosecute those involved in financial crimes.