The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has arrested a 39-year-old Pastor, Michael Ogundepo, on allegations of orchestrating a visa scam.
In a statement issued on Monday in Akure, DSC Aidamenbor Daniel, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), revealed that the suspect had solicited N1.67 million to facilitate a visa application for Miss Fagbuyiro Ajetomobi-Yemi.
Daniel further disclosed that Ogundepo, residing at No. 15 Ewu Agbo Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, not only retained both the funds and the complainant’s passport for a prolonged two-month period but also hindered her ability to pursue an alternative visa application.
“The command extended numerous invitations to the suspect, all of which he evaded. He claimed to be residing abroad and employed a counterfeit international number to communicate with the complainant, concealing his true identity,” explained the NSCDC PRO.
He continued, “Subsequently, the suspect was apprehended when he was lured into accepting what he believed to be a N3,000,000 payment for a Visa-related job, unaware that it was a ruse.”
“Further investigation has uncovered that he defrauded several other unsuspecting clients,” Daniel added.
The NSCDC spokesperson emphasised that once the investigation concludes, the suspect will face charges in court. Under the provisions of Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37, Vol. 1 of Ondo State, 2006, the actions of the pastor are deemed punishable.
