Police arraign Ogun travel agent over alleged N6m visa fraud

The police have arraigned a 48-year-old travel agent, Akiah Edward, before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly obtaining N6 million from a client under false pretence in connection with a Canadian visa application.

Edward allegedly collected the money from the complainant, Nasir Abiola, after promising to facilitate his visa application but allegedly failed to provide the service and repeatedly gave excuses when asked for updates.

The defendant was arraigned on Tuesday before Magistrate O.O. Sam-Obaleye at the court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on two counts bordering on obtaining by false pretence and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The prosecutor, Evelyn Motim, told the court that the alleged offence occurred on June 21 at about 2:30pm in Abeokuta, after Edward had been introduced to Abiola as a travel agent.

Motim said Edward initially requested N500,000 from the complainant as a commitment fee for the proposed travel arrangement, before collecting a further N4.7 million and N800,000.

She said the payments brought the total amount paid by Abiola to N6 million, while another N3 million was to be paid after the completion of the visa process.

According to the prosecutor, when Abiola sought updates on the progress of his application, Edward allegedly responded with excuses which the prosecution considered unjustified.

Motim said the alleged offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Edward pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, Sam-Obaleye granted her bail in the sum of N9 million with two sureties in like sum, directing that the sureties must be registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.

The magistrate, however, ordered that Edward be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions and adjourned the case until October 14 for hearing.