Prospective Travellers Scammed of N42.3m, Police Arrest Alleged Visa Fraud Agent
By Olusegun HOSEA
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old woman, Adejoke Ayomide, for allegedly defrauding more than 90 prospective travellers of N42.326 million under the pretext of securing travel visas to European countries.
The suspect, said to be a resident of Adesoye Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, allegedly collected the money from victims between October 2024 and April 5, 2026, promising to facilitate visas to Spain, Portugal and France.
Police said the arrest followed a petition dated July 17, 2026, submitted by Barrister Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates on behalf of the victims.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect presented herself as a travel consultant and convinced the victims to entrust her with processing travel documents for more than 93 intending travellers. She allegedly received a total of N42,326,000 through her Opay account for the purported visa processing.
Rather than fulfil the agreements, the suspect allegedly became unreachable after collecting the funds, prompting the victims to report the matter to the police.
Detectives of the Ondo State Police Command immediately launched an intelligence-driven investigation, deploying forensic and other investigative techniques to trace the suspect.
The Command said the operation culminated in her arrest on August 5, 2026, during a coordinated operation by its detectives.
Police added that the suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements. Investigators are also working to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify possible accomplices and establish whether more victims are involved.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the professionalism and resilience of the investigating officers, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to bringing perpetrators of financial crimes to justice.
He also advised members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel agents, urging prospective travellers to verify the authenticity and credentials of visa consultants before making payments.
The Police said the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
