A wave of outrage has spread among Nigerians living in the United States following allegations that a Texas based man identified as KO defrauded members of the diaspora of thousands of dollars through a fake Nigerian passport assistance scheme.
The suspect reportedly operated under a company called Global Tours and Partyride LLC where he promoted what he described as a Passport Intervention Program for Nigerians seeking passport booklets or renewals. Victims claim the man presented himself as a clergyman and Prophet of the Most High God while offering to facilitate passport processing through the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta.
Several victims alleged they paid between 500 and 800 dollars for passport services that were never delivered. According to reports many Nigerians trusted the program because it appeared to be connected to official Nigerian government processes.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has however distanced itself from the suspect and his activities. An official of the agency confirmed that the man is neither a staff member nor an approved vendor for passport services.
The official explained that Nigeria’s passport application process is largely digital and can be completed directly through the official immigration portal without the involvement of agents. He warned Nigerians both at home and abroad not to make payments to individuals claiming to offer immigration assistance.
Authorities also revealed that efforts are underway to track the suspect. However investigations have been complicated because the alleged fraudster has reportedly abandoned his known telephone number and vacated the address he provided to victims.
Some victims said the suspect initially processed a few passport applications successfully in order to gain the trust of the community before disappearing with the money of others. Complaints indicate that payments were collected as far back as October 2024 before communication suddenly stopped.
Victims have also expressed frustration with the response from the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, claiming the lack of communication from the office made them vulnerable to the scam.
Many of those affected have reported the matter to the Better Business Bureau and attempted to pursue legal action in the United States.
Some victims say they remain hopeful that the Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, will investigate the case and help bring those responsible to justice.
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