
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 33-year-old woman, Adejoke Ayomide, for allegedly defrauding more than 90 people of over ₦42.3 million under the guise of securing travel visas to Europe.
The suspect, who resides on Adesoye Street in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was apprehended following a petition submitted to the police by the law firm of Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates on behalf of the victims.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said Ayomide allegedly posed as a travel consultant capable of facilitating visas to Spain, Portugal and France.
According to the police, the suspect convinced dozens of intending travellers that she could process their visa applications, prompting them to pay various sums into her bank account.
Investigators said a preliminary probe revealed that Ayomide received a total of ₦42,326,000 through her Opay account for the purported visa processing.
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Jimoh disclosed that after collecting the money, the suspect allegedly became unreachable, leaving the victims unable to contact her or recover their funds.
The police said the complaint prompted an investigation that led detectives to track down and arrest the suspect on Wednesday.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect presented herself as a travel consultant capable of securing visas to Spain, Portugal, and France,” Jimoh said.
“Acting on these representations, the victims entrusted her with processing travel documents for more than ninety-three intending travellers. The suspect allegedly received a cumulative sum of ₦42,326,000 through her Opay account for the purported visa processing.”
The police spokesperson added that the suspect is currently in custody and has made what he described as useful confessional statements during interrogation.
According to him, investigators are expanding the probe to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify any accomplices and establish whether more victims may have been affected by the scheme.
He assured members of the public that the command would thoroughly investigate the case and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
Jimoh further stated that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The latest arrest comes amid repeated warnings by law enforcement agencies for Nigerians seeking employment or travel opportunities abroad to verify the credentials of travel agents before making payments.
Police have also urged members of the public to report suspected fraudulent visa and travel schemes promptly, noting that scammers often exploit the growing demand for overseas travel by making false promises of guaranteed visa approvals.

