ICPC arrests five over visa scam

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other
Related Offences Commission has arrested
fresh five suspects over visa scam.
This fresh arrest has increased the number of
suspects in its custody to 13.
A statement by the ICPC spokesperson, Folu
Olamiti, said the suspects were arrested over
the weekend at different locations.
They are Alimi Sunday, Amos Enabulele,
Samuel Oboiako, Azeez Abiodun and
Philomena Nwanorue.
“They were either caught using forged public
documents such as bank statements and
letters from government agencies or for aiding
and abetting the production of same to
procure visas at the Indian High Commission.
“The latest arrests effected last weekend
involved five suspects, three of who were
involved in the production of fake documents
to satisfy visa requirements, while the fourth
was in possession of suspicious travel
documents,” the statement said.
According to the commission, the fifth suspect,
a lady, was arrested for allegedly colluding
with someone in India to procure a fake
invitation letter from an Indian Hospital,
adding that the commission was awaiting
confirmation from the hospital to clear her.
The ICPC said its operatives had cordoned off
the business centre used for the production of
these documents, conducted a search and
impounded computers and printers for
thorough forensic analysis.
The ICPC expressed worry about the
increasing number of petitions received from
patients seeking medical attention abroad
after being duped by some freelance agents.
The commission said it was probing the links
between some public servants and money
laundering/transfers under the guise of
seeking medical attention abroad.
The anti-graft agency had last week issued a
“Visa Scam Press Advisory” warning intending
travellers of the consequences of patronising
dubious travel agents and touts to obtain
visas through corrupt practices.
They were advised to use verifiable documents
and only deal with official and recognised
agencies.
The commission stated that it had received
assurances from the Indian High Commission
that genuine requests for medical, business
and educational purposes would continue to
receive prompt attention.