The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals for allegedly defrauding over 100 people of more than N500 million in a massive visa scam.
The suspects — Blessing Wefsutu, 27; Chineye Christian, 36; Archibong Udeme Ifereke, 23; and Maurine Peter, 25 — were all employees of an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrest followed a formal complaint lodged at the Ago Okota Police Division.
The case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba for a comprehensive investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the consultancy firm posed as a legitimate agency offering work visa processing for Canada and Australia.
Victims were lured with promises of guaranteed job placements abroad after making substantial payments. However, the firm failed to deliver, raising suspicions that eventually led to police intervention.
SP Hundeyin stated that investigations also uncovered other accomplices who are still at large, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has advised Lagos residents to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any travel or recruitment agency before making payments.
He reiterated the command’s resolve to protect the public from fraud and ensure that all culprits are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
