Two Arraigned Over Alleged N139 Million Visa Fraud In Lagos

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

Two persons have been arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos State over an alleged N139 million visa fraud involving former staff of a Lagos-based enterprise.

The defendants, Nze Chiamaka Obaze, 28, and Victor Ozowe, 49, were arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kasunu on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, told the court that the defendants and others still at large, said to be former staff of Global Lateef Enterprise, allegedly committed the offences on February 21, 2026, at about 10:00 hours at No. 5, Mafoluku Road, Oshodi, in the Ikeja Magisterial District.

According to the charge sheet with Charge No: 2026 in the case of Commissioner of Police vs Nze Chiamaka Obaze and Victor Ozowe, the defendants allegedly conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants induced and obtained the sum of Sixty Million Naira (N60,000,000) from one Mr. Ebenezer Bamilosin and Seventy-Nine Million Naira (N79,000,000) from one Mrs. Chidinma Ugwoji under the pretence of securing visa packages for their candidates.

The offences are said to be punishable under Sections 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The third count accused the defendants of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by allegedly recruiting staff of Global Lateef Enterprise for the purpose of obtaining money from innocent citizens, an offence punishable under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

The charge was filed following investigations linked to a complaint forwarded by CPS Akinrodoye Fisayo Ola, the Divisional Police Officer, Makinde Divisional Headquarters, Mafoluku-Oshodi.

After the charges were read in court, Magistrate Mrs. O. Kasunu granted the defendants bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The magistrate ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Center, Kirikiri town, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The case highlights the growing concerns over visa-related fraud in Lagos, where unsuspecting members of the public seeking travel opportunities abroad are allegedly defrauded by individuals posing as travel agents or facilitators.

Police authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public to verify the authenticity of travel agencies and visa processing firms through appropriate government channels before making payments.

Legal experts note that obtaining money under false pretence remains one of the most prosecuted offences under the Lagos State Criminal Law, attracting stiff penalties upon conviction.

As of the time of filing this report, the defendants remain in custody pending the perfection of  their bail conditions. The court is expected to fix a date for trial in the coming weeks.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court of competent jurisdiction.