EFCC says Immigration CG not under investigation over alleged visa fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports linking the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, to an ongoing investigation into alleged visa fraud, insisting that she is not under investigation.

The anti-graft agency clarified on Tuesday that its probe is focused solely on some immigration officers accused of involvement in visa racketeering and other fraudulent practices.

In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission described media reports suggesting that Nandap was being investigated as false and misleading.

“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG,” the EFCC stated.

The Commission, however, confirmed that criminal proceedings have already been instituted against some officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service over the alleged visa fraud.

“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court,” the statement said.

According to the EFCC, investigations are still ongoing and may lead to the prosecution of more immigration personnel.

“Further investigations are ongoing with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future,” the agency added.

The Commission stressed that the ongoing investigation has no connection with the Immigration Comptroller-General.

It also urged journalists and media organisations to verify information with the agency before publishing reports concerning its activities.

“The media is enjoined to always seek clarifications on the activities of the EFCC to avoid misrepresentation of facts,” the statement added.