Officers of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have arraigned a man, Israel Onen, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N60 million visa racketeering scheme.
Onen was docked on Monday before Justice Ibrahim Kala on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraud, money laundering, and stealing. The charges, filed by the police, are contained in suit number FHC/L/1203C/2025.
During the arraignment, the prosecution told the court that the defendant allegedly conspired with others, who are currently at large, between 2024 and 2025 to defraud the complainant, Akinola Ayodele Emmanuel. The police alleged that Onen fraudulently obtained the sum of N60 million under the pretence of procuring visas to Ireland and Schengen countries for the complainant’s clients.
According to the prosecutor, the visas were never procured and the money was not refunded, despite repeated demands. The alleged actions were said to contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and the Criminal Code.
When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Zone 2 Command, citing multiple complaints against him.
However, defence counsel, O. Ogu, opposed the application and asked the court to grant bail on liberal terms, noting that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
In his ruling, Justice Kala granted the defendant bail in the sum of N60 million with one surety in like sum. The judge ordered that the surety must either be a civil servant not below Grade Level 13 or a landed property owner with property valued at N60 million.
The court further directed both the defendant and the surety to submit passport photographs, National Identification Numbers, Bank Verification Numbers, bank account details, and phone numbers for verification. The case was adjourned to February 12, 2026, for trial, while the defendant was ordered to remain in custody pending the perfection of bail conditions.
Is it fair to immediately arraign someone without proper investigation? Innocent until proven guilty, right? Lets not jump to conclusions.
Shouldnt the police focus on more serious crimes instead of visa fraud? Priority seems off here.
Shouldnt we focus on preventing visa fraud rather than just arresting individuals after the fact? Prevention is key.
Wow, cant believe the nerve of some people! Shouldnt the punishment for visa fraud be more severe? Just my two cents.
Wow, imagine the audacity to commit such a huge fraud! Hope justice is served swiftly. What a crazy world we live in!