By Richard Benjamin
Police have arraigned a visa agent before a magistrate court in Lagos over the alleged theft of ₦7.6 million obtained from clients under the pretext of securing travel visas.
The defendant was charged with obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy and fraudulent misrepresentation. According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly collected money from several clients after promising to process travel visas but failed to deliver the services or refund the payments.
Police told the court that investigations were launched after complaints were lodged by the victims, leading to the suspect’s arrest and subsequent arraignment.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. The magistrate granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum, who must meet conditions set by the court, and adjourned the case for further hearing.
The police urged members of the public to verify the credentials of travel and visa agents before making payments and advised victims of similar fraud to report such cases to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
