EFCC Investigates Fake Visa Agent in N20m Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a suspected fake visa agent linked to a N20 million scam. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC's spokesperson, disclosed that the suspect allegedly defrauded three victims, including Osmond Ugwu, Ugwu Chidubem, and Amadiani Chinedu.

Ugwu claims he met the suspect in 2018 while planning to travel abroad, where the suspect posed as a visa agent and offered a Red Cross-sponsored visa for N1.8 million, excluding flight tickets. Ugwu reportedly paid N4 million, bringing the total amount collected by the suspect to N11.8 million.

Chidubem alleged that the suspect conspired with a friend to defraud him of N5.9 million, assuring him of procuring genuine documents to further his football career abroad. Chinedu claimed he was defrauded of N2.2 million for a work permit and accompanying visa to migrate to Australia.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 44-year-old suspect is not a licensed travel agent, and charges are expected to be filed soon as concerns grow over unlicensed visa merchants exploiting desperate Nigerians.