EFCC Debunks Probe Of Immigration Service Boss Over ‘Visa Fraud’
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports alleging that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, is under investigation over an alleged visa racketeering scheme.
The anti-graft agency said the reports, which linked Nandap to an ongoing probe involving some immigration officers, were false and misrepresented the facts surrounding its investigations.
In a statement issued on Monday, the EFCC said it was aware of media reports and insinuations suggesting that the Immigration Service boss was being investigated for visa fraud, stressing that it had "no case" against her.
"The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG," the statement said.
The EFCC, however, confirmed that it is prosecuting several immigration officers over alleged visa fraud, noting that the cases are already before the Federal High Court.
It added that investigations remain ongoing and could result in additional officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service being arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices.
"There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court. Further investigations are ongoing with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future," the Commission stated.
The agency maintained that Nandap is "not remotely connected" to the ongoing investigations, urging the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
The EFCC also called on media organisations to verify information relating to its operations before publication, warning that inaccurate reports could mislead the public and distort ongoing investigative efforts.
"The media is enjoined to always seek clarifications on the activities of the EFCC to avoid misrepresentation of facts," the Commission added.
A report had alleged that five serving officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, including a Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, were questioned by EFCC operatives as part of an investigation into an alleged visa fraud syndicate.
According to the report, investigators reportedly traced about N700 million to the account of one of the suspects and uncovered properties worth billions of naira allegedly acquired through proxies.
The investigation was said to be focusing on the handling of foreign nationals who remain in Nigeria after the expiration of their visas, particularly the alleged collection of penalties and other payments.
It further claimed that the EFCC was probing whether a network of immigration officials and their associates profited unlawfully from visa overstayers and concealed the proceeds through bank accounts, third parties and property acquisitions.
The report also quoted a source familiar with the matter as saying the investigation was launched after a female immigration officer allegedly provided information about the suspected racket.