The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a notorious visa fraud syndicate that allegedly duped more than 100 Nigerians of over ₦500 million through fake promises of Canadian and Australian work visas.

The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed the arrests on Monday, August 11, 2025, during a press briefing. According to Jimoh, the four suspects — aged 23, 25, 27, and 36 — were apprehended on July 16 by officers from the Ago-Okota Division. Their arrests followed months of complaints from victims who had paid huge sums of money with the hope of securing overseas job opportunities. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

How the Syndicate Operated

Investigations revealed that the suspects were employees of an educational consultancy firm in Lagos. They allegedly presented themselves as authorized facilitators for Canadian and Australian work visas, promising lucrative job placements abroad to unsuspecting Nigerians.

Under this guise, they collected fees ranging from hundreds of thousands to several millions of naira from each victim. The suspects assured their clients that they would handle all visa processes, travel arrangements, and job placements — claims which turned out to be completely false.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained over ₦500 million from more than 100 victims under the false pretense of facilitating Canadian and Australian work visas,” Commissioner Jimoh stated.

Police Crackdown and Ongoing Manhunt

After the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), detectives conducted an extensive probe that confirmed the fraud allegations. The suspects were found to have no legal partnership or accreditation with any embassy or immigration office.

The police confirmed that several members of the network are still at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend these individuals, with authorities warning that anyone found aiding or harbouring them will face prosecution.

A Growing Scam Trend in Nigeria

Visa and travel scams have become a recurring problem in Nigeria, preying on citizens eager to seek better opportunities abroad. Fraudsters exploit this desperation by offering irresistible travel deals, work visas, and migration assistance — often backed by fake documents, staged testimonials, and convincing online advertisements.

Experts warn that many victims fail to conduct due diligence before making payments. In several cases, scammers operate under registered company names, giving their schemes an appearance of legitimacy.

Police Advice to the Public

The Lagos State Police Command has advised Nigerians to be cautious when engaging with travel and visa agents. Commissioner Jimoh urged the public to verify all immigration-related offers directly with the relevant embassies or government agencies before committing financially.

“We encourage citizens to report suspicious activities and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. No genuine visa process will require huge upfront payments without formal documentation and verification,” Jimoh cautioned.

What’s Next for the Suspects

The four suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations. Charges are expected to include fraud, conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretenses — offenses that carry severe penalties under Nigerian law.

Victims of the syndicate are also being urged to come forward with evidence and testimonies to strengthen the case against the accused.

Bottom Line:
This high-profile arrest serves as a strong warning to fraudsters exploiting Nigerians’ dreams of working abroad. The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to dismantling such criminal networks and bringing all perpetrators to justice.