The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old woman, Adejoke Ayomide, over her alleged involvement in a visa fraud scheme in which more than 90 prospective travellers were swindled of over N42.3 million under the pretext of securing travel visas to Europe.

The Command disclosed that the suspect, a resident of Adesoye Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was apprehended following a painstaking intelligence-led investigation into the alleged scam, which reportedly spanned between October 2024 and April 2026.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, the case stemmed from a petition dated July 17, 2026, submitted by Barrister Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates on behalf of the victims.

The statement explained that the suspect allegedly presented herself as a travel consultant with the capacity to secure visas to Spain, Portugal and France, convincing unsuspecting victims to entrust her with the processing of travel documents for more than 93 intending travellers.

Police said the victims subsequently transferred a cumulative sum of N42,326,000 into the suspect’s Opay account for the purported visa processing.

The Command alleged that after receiving the funds, the suspect failed to process the visas as promised and became unreachable, prompting the victims to seek police intervention.

Following the petition, detectives of the Command launched an extensive investigation, deploying intelligence gathering and forensic investigative techniques to track the suspect.

The operation culminated in her arrest on August 5, 2026, during a coordinated operation by detectives of the Command.

Police further disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody and has made “useful confessional statements,” while investigators continue efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify possible accomplices and determine whether there are additional victims.

“The suspect is currently in Police custody, where she has made useful confessional statements. Efforts are ongoing to unravel the full scope of the alleged fraudulent scheme, identify possible accomplices and establish whether there are additional victims. Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court accordingly,” the statement noted.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised their professionalism and resilience, reiterating the Command’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of financial crimes are brought to justice.

The police commissioner also urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel agents, advising prospective travellers to verify the authenticity and credentials of visa consultants before making payments.

He further encouraged residents to promptly report any suspicious or fraudulent activities to the nearest police station, assuring that the Command remains committed to protecting citizens from fraud and other criminal activities while ensuring that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law. (Arise News)

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