EFCC Speaks on Alleged Visa Fraud Probe of Immigration Boss

• The EFCC has denied reports linking Nigeria Immigration Service Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap to an ongoing visa fraud investigation, insisting she is not under probe despite ongoing cases involving some immigration officers.

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 racketeering.

The anti-graft agency said the Immigration Service boss is not under investigation and has no connection with the cases currently being investigated.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, following media reports and online claims suggesting that Nandap was being probed over alleged visa fraud.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is aware of reports in the media about alleged visa racketeering involving some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, especially subtle insinuations about the assumed investigation of the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap. The commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG,” the statement read.

The EFCC, however, confirmed that criminal cases involving some immigration officers over alleged visa fraud are already before the Federal High Court.

According to the commission, investigations are ongoing and could lead to the prosecution of more officers linked to the alleged fraudulent activities.

“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court. Further investigations are ongoing, with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future. However, the Immigration CG is not remotely connected to these investigations,” the EFCC stated.

The commission urged journalists and media organisations to verify information with the agency before publication to avoid spreading misleading reports about its investigations.

The clarification comes amid allegations that some immigration officers collected money from visa overstayers instead of enforcing penalties stipulated under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, which imposes a $15 daily fine for foreigners who remain in the country after their visas expire.

Investigators are also reportedly examining allegations involving about ₦700 million traced to the account of one officer under investigation, while another suspect is being probed over properties allegedly acquired through third parties.