Police say the suspect allegedly deceived more than 93 intending travellers by promising visas to Spain, Portugal and France before disappearing with their money

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 33-year-old woman, Adejoke Ayomide, over an alleged Ondo Police Visa Scam involving N42.326 million reportedly collected from more than 93 intending travellers under the guise of securing European visas.

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The arrest was announced on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who said investigators acted on a petition submitted by the law firm, Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates, on behalf of the complainants.

According to the police, Adejoke Ayomide, a resident of Adesoye Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, allegedly presented herself as a travel consultant capable of obtaining visas to Spain, Portugal and France.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh said the victims relied on those assurances and paid substantial sums for visa processing, believing the applications would be handled successfully.

“The suspect presented herself as a travel consultant capable of securing visas to Spain, Portugal, and France. Acting on these representations, the victims entrusted her with processing travel documents for more than 93 intending travellers,” Jimoh said.

Police investigations indicate that a total of N42,326,000 was allegedly paid into the suspect’s OPay account for the purported visa processing.

Investigators further alleged that communication with the suspect ceased after the payments were made, prompting the affected individuals to seek legal assistance before reporting the matter to the police.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh said preliminary findings suggest the funds were received under the pretext of facilitating travel documents for the applicants.

The police spokesperson added that Adejoke Ayomide remains in custody and has made what investigators described as useful statements.

“Efforts are ongoing to identify possible accomplices and ascertain whether there are more victims. The suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Jimoh added.

The case highlights growing concerns over fraudulent travel agencies and visa syndicates targeting Nigerians seeking employment, education and relocation opportunities abroad.

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly advised intending travellers to verify the credentials of travel consultants and deal only with licensed operators before making payments.

The latest arrest follows a similar case reported in November, when the Ogun State Police Command arrested Elizabeth Thamson for allegedly defrauding three people of N8.5 million after promising to secure Canadian work visas.

The command had also warned residents about the increasing prevalence of online fraud, including fake travel agencies, visa scams and romance-related schemes designed to exploit unsuspecting members of the public.

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Although the allegations against Adejoke Ayomide are yet to be tested in court, the investigation continues as police seek to establish the full scope of the alleged devastating fraud and determine whether additional victims or accomplices are linked to the case.