Suspected Visa Racketeer In Police Net

The operatives at the Special Fraud Unit, Milverton Street, Ikoyi, southwest Nigeria, has arrested a notorious visa racketeer who specializes in duping unsuspecting members of the public wishing to travel abroad of huge sums of money on the pretence of procuring visa for them.

The police alleged that the Oluwole based fraudster identified as Tunde Adebiyi, 49, was arrested when he attempted to obtain an Italian visa for Mrs. Olajumoke Sule with a forged certificate of incorporation purportedly issued by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, certificate of registration of a business name and application form for the registration of business name both purportedly issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission. A letter of sponsorship and consent purportedly issued by Adenowo Printing Press Limited, a letter of introduction and visa request purportedly issued by Berny Banky Catering and Rentals Services and an evidence of insurance cover purportedly issued by Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc were said to have been submitted by him alongside an application for Italian visa on 7 February 2011 at the Italian embassy in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The police alleged further that the suspect, in his desperate bid to obtain the Italian visa also forged National Standard Passport No. A 2527721, United Kingdom visa No. UK 5175566, UK 5735803, UK 9665057, UK 906224J and French visa No. F 37266005 to be cited as genuine to the prejudice of the Italian embassy or any person in Nigeria or elsewhere.

Nemesis, however, caught up with him when the embassy officials allegedly detected his antics and invited the police who arrested him.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime.

He was consequently arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate Court on a four- count charge of forging, ultering with intent to obtain Italian visa by deception. The offences, according to prosecuting police officer, Inspector Audu Lawal, are punishable under section 516, 467 and 468 of the criminal code, cap C 17, vol. 11 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties who must be gainfully employed.

The accused was, however, ordered to be remanded in prison when he could not fulfill his bail conditions.

— Paul Iyoghojie