The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old woman, Adejoke Ayomide, over her alleged involvement in a visa fraud scheme in which more than 90 prospective travellers were reportedly defrauded of N42.3 million.
The suspect, who is said to be a resident of Adesoye Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was arrested following an intelligence-led investigation into the alleged fraud, which the police said took place between October 2024 and April 2026.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh.
According to the statement, the investigation followed a petition dated July 17, 2026, submitted by Barrister Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates on behalf of the alleged victims.
The police said the suspect allegedly presented herself as a travel consultant who could help intending travellers secure visas to Spain, Portugal and France.
She allegedly convinced more than 93 people to engage her services for the processing of their travel documents.
According to the police, the victims subsequently transferred a total of N42,326,000 into the suspect’s Opay account for the supposed processing of their visas.
The Command alleged that after receiving the money, Ayomide failed to provide the promised visas or complete the travel arrangements.
The situation reportedly became more serious when the victims were unable to reach her after making the payments.
The alleged victims then sought police intervention, leading to the petition that triggered the investigation.
Following the receipt of the petition, detectives attached to the Ondo State Police Command began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the payments and the suspect’s activities.
The police said the investigation involved intelligence gathering and forensic techniques aimed at tracing the suspect and establishing the movement of the funds allegedly paid by the victims.
The efforts eventually led to Ayomide’s arrest on August 5, 2026, during a coordinated operation by detectives of the Command.
The police said the suspect was currently in custody and had made what they described as “useful confessional statements” to investigators.
However, the Command said the investigation was still ongoing and that detectives were working to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
The police are also investigating whether other people were involved in the scheme and whether there are additional victims who have not yet come forward.
“The suspect is currently in Police custody, where she has made useful confessional statements. Efforts are ongoing to unravel the full scope of the alleged fraudulent scheme, identify possible accomplices and establish whether there are additional victims,” the statement said.
The Command added that the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.
The case highlights the growing concern over fraudulent travel and visa arrangements in Nigeria, where people seeking opportunities to travel abroad can become victims of individuals who claim to have special connections with embassies or foreign immigration authorities.
Visa fraud often involves promises of guaranteed visas, employment opportunities, study permits or quick travel arrangements in exchange for large sums of money.
In some cases, victims are presented with fake documents or made to believe that the agent has the ability to influence the visa application process.
Authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public to be careful when dealing with travel agents and visa consultants, particularly those demanding large payments without proper documentation or verifiable business records.
The police said the latest case should serve as a warning to prospective travellers to conduct proper checks before handing over money for visa processing.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, commended the detectives who worked on the case, praising their professionalism and persistence in tracking down the suspect.
Ohagwu also reiterated the commitment of the Command to investigating financial crimes and ensuring that people accused of defrauding members of the public are brought before the courts.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and verify the identity, business registration and credentials of travel agents before engaging their services.
The commissioner also advised prospective travellers to be suspicious of anyone who promises a guaranteed visa, particularly where the person demands payment without providing clear information about the application process.
Visa decisions are normally made by the relevant embassy, consulate or immigration authority, and travel consultants do not have the legal power to guarantee that an applicant will be granted a visa.
The police also encouraged members of the public who may have been defrauded by the suspect or who have information about the alleged scheme to come forward.
The Command said such information could assist investigators in determining whether the alleged fraud involved more people or whether other victims had yet to report their experiences.
The investigation is also expected to establish how the N42.3 million allegedly received from the victims was used or transferred.
The police said forensic investigation would form part of efforts to establish the financial trail and gather evidence that could be presented in court.
The alleged victims are believed to have entrusted the money to the suspect based on her representation that she could secure visas to European countries, including Spain, Portugal and France.
The police have not disclosed the identities of the alleged victims or provided details about the individual amounts paid by them.
They also have not stated whether any of the money has been recovered.
The arrest comes at a time when many Nigerians continue to seek opportunities to travel abroad for work, education, business and other purposes.
The high demand for foreign travel has created opportunities for legitimate travel agencies but has also attracted fraudsters who exploit people desperate to secure visas.
Prospective travellers are also encouraged to keep receipts, contracts, payment records and other documents relating to visa applications, as such records can become important if disputes arise.
In the Ondo case, the police said their investigation would continue until the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud are established.
The Command maintained that the suspect would be prosecuted if the investigation establishes a case against her.
The police also stressed that members of the public have an important role to play in preventing fraud by reporting suspicious activities early.
Ohagwu assured residents that the Command would continue to protect them from fraud and other criminal activities and would ensure that suspects found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
For the alleged victims of the visa scheme, the arrest is the first major step towards seeking justice and possibly recovering their funds.