CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two former staff of Global Lateef Enterprise, Matthew Johnson Obaze, 40, and Irabor Abraham, 32, have been arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrate Court over an alleged N60 million recruitment and visa scam in Oshodi, Lagos.
The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate Mr. L.A Owolabi, with SP Josephine Ihkayere appearing as prosecutor.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the defendants allegedly committed the offences on February 21, 2026, at about 10:00 am, at No. 5, Mafoluku Road, Oshodi, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The Police alleged that the defendants and others now at large, all former staff of Global Lateef Enterprise, conspired to commit felony to wit, stealing, contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count Two, the prosecution alleged that the defendants induced and obtained the sum of Sixty Million Naira, N60 million, from one Mr. Ebenezer Bamilosin under the pretense of securing visa package for his candidate.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count Three, the Police alleged that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by recruiting staff for Global Lateef Enterprise for the purpose of obtaining money from innocent citizens, contrary to Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The investigation was handled by Makinde Divisional Headquarters, Mafoluku-Oshodi, under CSP Akinrodoye Fisayo Ola, Divisional Police Officer.
When the charges were read in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
Magistrate Owolabi granted the defendants bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The court ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center, Kirikiri Town, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
The complainant had alleged that he paid the sum for visa processing but that the visa was not secured. Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects now at large.
Residents of Mafoluku Road, Oshodi, described the area as a busy business corridor with several travel agencies. They advised members of the public to verify travel agencies before making payments.
It is important to note that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned pending perfection of bail and further directives.