The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended one Elizabeth Thamson for allegedly defrauding three individuals of ₦8.5 million on the false promise of securing them Canadian work visas.
Her arrest follows a recent advisory by the command warning residents about the growing wave of online scams, including fraudulent visa offers, fake dating platforms, and bogus investment opportunities designed to dupe unsuspecting victims.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, the victims recounted how Thamson convinced them to undergo biometric verification and later informed them that their visas had been approved.
“The victims narrated that after undergoing biometric verification as instructed by the suspect, they were informed that their visas had been approved,” Odutola said.
However, their excitement was short-lived when they took the supposed approval letters to the Visa Facilitation Service office in Lagos, only to discover that the documents were fake.
Odutola added that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, and preliminary investigations revealed that she had been operating a fraudulent migration scheme targeting individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a discreet investigation into the case. He also cautioned members of the public, particularly young people, to verify travel and employment offers through official government channels before making payments.
“He cautioned members of the public, especially young people, to exercise due diligence when seeking travel opportunities, verify online information through official channels, and avoid patronising touts or unverified agents for visa processing,” the statement added.
