Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested 13 illegal visa racketeers.
The suspects were apprehended during a clean-up exercise carried out along Otunba David Oshikoya Drive in Ikeja and its environs.
The exercise which lasted about three hours was spearheaded by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye who disclosed that the operation was carried out to restore sanity and orderliness in that axis which has been known for harbouring some criminal elements who are known for cutting corners and sharp practices.
Narrating her ordeal in the hands of illegal visa racketeers, a victim who identified herself as Chikanma Sonia, at the scene lamented the rate at which these illegal agents rip unsuspecting applicants off of their hard-earned money all in the name of securing visas for them.
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According to Sonia, “I met a lady here about two weeks ago when I came to submit my application papers and she appeared to be responsible and offered to help me with the entire processing for a fee. I paid her about 45,000 Naira and gave her some of my documents to help me a photocopy. That was the last I heard of her.”
Jejeloye explained that the exercise was carried out because we have received a series of complaints from residents and operators of the visa service organisation situated here about how some unsuspecting applicants have fallen victim to some louts who parade themselves as visa processing agents, but once money exchanges hand the agents disappear into thin air”.
He assured the residents of the area that the Agency would do everything within its powers to ensure that the operation carried out today would be thorough and continuous.
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Jejeloye sounded a note of warning to louts and agents of doom who also operate illegally around the Visa processing office. He warned them to steer clear of the axis as anyone of them caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Applicants are also advised to seek the services of bonafide staff of the Agency to avoid being swindled of their hard-earned money”.
Meanwhile, the 13 suspected visa racketeering agents arrested will be charged in court immediately.
