EFCC petitioned over travel agency’s alleged visa fraud

Stanley Ihedigbo

A petition has been submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged visa fraud involving a travel agency.

The petition, filed by Sani Mohammed on behalf of Olugbenga Emmanuel Kalejaiye, accuses Babadeji Omoyeni and Akinlabi Olamide Stephen, operators of the travel agency, of defrauding their client of #1.45 million.

According to the petition, Kalejaiye had paid the travel agency for visas to travel to Bolivia and North Macedonia. However, the visas were later discovered to be fake.

The petition alleges that the travel agency had presented itself as a legitimate business, but instead, it was involved in a fraudulent scheme to dupe unsuspecting clients.

The petitioner is seeking a refund of the money paid and urging the EFCC to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The EFCC has been tasked with investigating the allegations and taking necessary action to protect the public from such fraudulent activities.

This development highlights the need for vigilance and due diligence when dealing with travel agencies and other businesses that offer services related to travel and immigration.

The lawyer noted that he has sent the petition dated November 24, 2024 , tagged,: ‘Recovery of Funds: Babadeji Omoyeni & Akinlabi Olamide Stephen (collectively, “Travel Agent”) Olugbenga Emmanuel Kalejaiye (“Client”)’ to the Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and since then, has not received any response or acknowledged from the Commission.

He lamented that delayed responses on petition to the commission will lead to a loss of confidence in the EFCC’s ability to address corruption and financial crimes.

“The public may view the EFCC as ineffective or inefficient in handling petitions, undermining its credibility. Also failure to respond promptly can lead to delayed justice, allowing perpetrators to continue their illicit activities.

“The longer it takes to respond to petition, the higher the risk of evidence degradation or destruction, making it harder to build a case. As well as result in continued financial losses for victims of economic crimes”, he further lamented.