Ogun Police arrest woman accused of ₦8.5m fake Canadian visa scam

Story: written by Zara November 6,2025

Police operatives in Ogun State have apprehended a woman, Elizabeth Thomson, for allegedly swindling three unsuspecting victims of ₦8.5 million on the promise of securing Canadian work visas for them.

The arrest comes amid repeated warnings by the state police command over rising cases of visa fraud, fake travel agents, and online scam networks preying on job seekers.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the suspect convinced the victims that their travel documents had been approved after they reportedly went through biometric capturing as she instructed.

“The victims told police that after completing biometrics, the suspect informed them that their visas were ready,” Odutola said.

However, when the supposed visa approval letters were presented at the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) office in Lagos for confirmation, they were discovered to be forged, prompting her arrest.

Odutola added that the suspect admitted to running the fraudulent scheme during interrogation. Preliminary investigations also revealed she had been targeting individuals desperate for employment abroad.

Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to false immigration promises. He stated that investigations are ongoing and the suspect will face prosecution once concluded.