The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four members of a suspected fraud syndicate accused of defrauding over 100 Nigerians through fake promises of Canadian and Australian work visas, with the total amount swindled exceeding ₦500 million.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed the arrests during a press briefing on Monday, August 11. He disclosed that the suspects — aged 23, 25, 27, and 36 — were apprehended on July 16 by officers from the Ago-Okota Division.
Following the transfer of the case, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) uncovered that the suspects, who worked for an educational consultancy, had allegedly posed as visa facilitators, promising employment opportunities abroad.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained over ₦500 million from more than 100 victims under the false pretense of securing Canadian and Australian work visas,” said CP Jimoh.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. Authorities also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
