Lagos State Police Command has arrested 10 Cameroonian nationals over alleged visa fraud and human trafficking, following investigations into a scheme that reportedly defrauded victims of millions of naira through false relocation promises.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 10 Cameroonian nationals over allegations of visa fraud and human trafficking, following investigations into a suspected transnational syndicate accused of defrauding victims of millions of naira through false promises of overseas relocation.
The suspects, comprising five men and five women, were apprehended after intelligence and complaints linked them to a scheme that allegedly lured fellow Cameroonians to Nigeria under the pretext of securing visas, work permits, and residency documents for countries including Mauritius, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
According to police sources, victims were persuaded to pay substantial sums of money for travel and relocation arrangements that ultimately failed to materialise.
Investigators also discovered that several of the suspects allegedly lacked valid travel documents, including passports and visas, raising concerns about their entry into Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed that the case be transferred from the Egbada Tactical Unit to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for comprehensive investigation.
The case is currently being handled by the Human Rights Unit of the SCID under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbisehin.
A police source disclosed that the syndicate allegedly operated under the cover of a networking business but was primarily engaged in recruiting and exploiting individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
According to investigators, the suspects used social media platforms to create a false impression of successful migration by posting photographs and videos taken in luxury settings, airports, and other strategic locations.
The source alleged that victims were coached on how to communicate with family members and friends in order to convince them that they had successfully relocated overseas and encourage them to join the scheme.
One of the alleged victims told journalists that she paid 800,000 CFA francs, estimated at about N2 million, after being persuaded by a friend who claimed to be living and working in Mauritius.
She alleged that upon arriving in Lagos, she discovered that no travel documents were being processed and that she had instead been recruited into a networking operation based in the Epe area of the state.
The victim further claimed that members’ mobile phones and personal documents were confiscated and that they were transported to airports and tourist locations to take photographs and videos designed to create the impression that they were living abroad.
According to her, participants were closely monitored during communications with relatives and instructed on what to say in order to recruit additional members into the scheme.
She also alleged that when she requested a refund and sought to return home, she was told she could only recover her money after recruiting another participant.
The victim claimed that her cousin later paid another 800,000 CFA francs after being convinced that she had successfully relocated overseas.
Another alleged victim said she paid approximately 1.5 million CFA francs, equivalent to about N3.5 million, for travel documentation and relocation services.
She stated that after arriving in Lagos, she was similarly introduced to the networking operation rather than receiving the promised travel assistance.
According to police investigators, participants were allegedly trained on recruitment strategies and encouraged to bring in additional victims under the guise of overseas employment and migration opportunities.
The police said investigations into allegations of conspiracy, fraud, and human trafficking are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating human trafficking, financial crimes, and other forms of organised criminal activity while urging members of the public to verify travel and relocation offers before making payments.
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