‘More officers could be arraigned’ – EFCC hints at next move in visa fraud probe

By Tolulope Oke

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its investigation into alleged visa fraud involving personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service remains active, while dismissing claims that Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap is among those under scrutiny.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday following reports suggesting that Nandap was being investigated over alleged visa racketeering involving some immigration officers.

The commission dismissed the reports as false, declaring that it had no case against the immigration chief.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is aware of reports in the media about alleged visa racketeering involving some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, especially subtle insinuations about assumed investigation of the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap,” the statement read.

“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG.”

The EFCC, however, confirmed that some NIS officers were already being prosecuted over alleged fraudulent visa practices.

According to the commission, the existing cases are pending before the Federal High Court, while further investigations could expose additional officers.

“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court,” Oyewale said.

“Further investigations are ongoing with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future.”

The EFCC stressed that Nandap was not connected to either the existing prosecutions or the continuing investigation.

“However, the Immigration CG is not remotely connected to these investigations,” the statement added.

The commission did not disclose the identities or number of officers who could face fresh charges.