The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old woman, Adejoke Ayomide, over an alleged visa fraud scheme that reportedly defrauded more than 90 prospective travellers of over N42.3 million.
Police said the suspect allegedly posed as a travel consultant capable of securing European visas for Spain, Portugal and France, convincing intending travellers to pay for document processing and visa arrangements.
According to the Command, the alleged scam operated between October 2024 and April 2026 before victims petitioned the police through Barrister Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates on July 17, 2026.
The police said more than 93 victims transferred a combined N42,326,000 into the suspect’s Opay account after being assured their travel documents would be processed.
However, authorities alleged that after receiving the funds, Ayomide failed to deliver the promised services and became unreachable, forcing the victims to seek police intervention.
Following the petition, detectives launched an intelligence-driven investigation using forensic techniques to trace the suspect. The operation eventually led to her arrest on August 5, 2026.
The police said the suspect is currently in custody and has provided what they described as “useful confessional statements” as investigators work to determine the full scale of the alleged fraud, identify possible accomplices and establish whether more victims exist.
“The suspect is currently in Police custody, where she has made useful confessional statements. Efforts are ongoing to unravel the full scope of the alleged fraudulent scheme, identify possible accomplices and establish whether there are additional victims,” the Command stated.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers involved in the investigation, describing their efforts as professional and committed.
The police boss also warned members of the public to be cautious when dealing with travel agents and visa consultants, urging them to verify credentials before making payments.
He advised residents to report suspicious activities promptly, assuring that the Command would continue efforts to protect citizens from financial crimes and ensure that offenders face prosecution.
