The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a major investigation into an alleged visa overstay fraud scheme within the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), with several serving officers reportedly questioned over their suspected roles in the operation.
The probe is said to be focused on the collection and management of penalties imposed on foreign nationals who overstay their visas in Nigeria.
Investigators are examining claims that large sums of money generated through the process were diverted through unofficial channels over a number of years.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that at least five immigration officers, including a senior officer at the rank of deputy comptroller, have been interrogated as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The officers are attached to key immigration formations, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and the service headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to findings, investigators have traced significant financial transactions linked to some of the individuals under scrutiny. One suspect is reportedly being investigated over funds estimated at about N700 million allegedly discovered in bank accounts connected to him.
Another officer is also being questioned over several high-value properties believed to have been acquired through third parties.
The investigation centres on allegations that some immigration officials exploited foreigners who overstayed their visas by collecting money outside official channels. Authorities are now working to determine the scale of the operation and identify those who may have benefited from it.
The matter has attracted attention because it concerns the enforcement of visa regulations introduced under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025. Under the policy, foreigners who remain in the country beyond the validity of their visas are expected to pay a daily penalty.
Officials familiar with the case said the investigation began after information was reportedly provided by a female immigration officer who raised concerns about activities within the system.
Her claims allegedly prompted a wider review of financial records, bank transactions and property holdings linked to several immigration personnel.
“We opened an investigation into the visa overstay racket after a female immigration officer blew the lid on the racketeering,” a source involved in the investigation said.
The source added that investigators are examining the roles played by several officers and individuals connected to them. Financial records, property documents and other materials are reportedly being reviewed as part of efforts to establish how the alleged network operated.
Among those said to have been questioned are Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Bashar Suleiman, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Musa Abubakar, Chief Superintendent of Immigration Dotun Aridegbe, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Emmanuel Imaekhai and Assistant Superintendent of Immigration O. Babatunde.
The investigation is also looking into allegations that some proceeds of the scheme were concealed through proxies. Individuals whose names were allegedly used to open bank accounts or acquire properties have reportedly provided statements to investigators regarding their involvement.
Further findings are said to suggest that the alleged operation may have existed for several years. Investigators are reportedly exploring whether the activities continued across different administrations within the immigration service and whether former officials may possess information relevant to the case.
Part of the inquiry is focused on a deputy superintendent who has reportedly served at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for more than a decade. Investigators are said to be examining the circumstances surrounding the lengthy posting and his alleged links to the wider operation.
Sources also claimed that immigration stamps associated with different international airports were recovered during a search connected to the officer. The significance of the items is currently being assessed as part of the investigation.
“He is known to relate directly with all serving CGs. His admissions have been illuminating as he is the linchpin of the operation,” the source alleged.
The current Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, has also been mentioned in some of the allegations being reviewed by investigators. However, no formal accusation or charge has been announced against her, and authorities have not publicly linked her to any wrongdoing.
Officials involved in the case stressed that investigations are still ongoing and that conclusions have not been reached. They noted that all individuals mentioned in the matter remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
Meanwhile, one of the officers named in connection with the investigation, CSI O. Babatunde, has denied any involvement in the alleged visa overstay racket.
The EFCC has yet to announce any criminal charges in relation to the case. However, investigators are expected to continue examining bank accounts, assets and financial transactions linked to the suspects as efforts intensify to uncover the full extent of the alleged scheme.