Man arraigned for N4.5m visa fraud in Lagos

A 43-year-old student counsellor, Tajudeen Omowale, was on Friday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding his employer of N4.5 million.

Omowale, who resides in Bariga, Lagos, is facing charges of conspiracy and stealing. He pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that the defendant committed the offences on February 10 at Goajo Educational Agency, Allen Avenue, Ikeja.

According to him, Omowale collected N4.5 million from a client on the promise of securing an Australian visa but failed to process it.

When the client later lodged a complaint, the company discovered that the money was never paid into its account.

The prosecutor added that the defendant claimed he handed the money to a woman who is now at large.

The offences violate Sections 287 and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Chief Magistrate M.F. Onamusi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to December 10 for mention.