Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have launched an investigation into an Enugu-based man accused of defrauding victims of nearly ₦20 million through fake visa deals.
The suspect, Osogu Christian Ogbonna, is being probed by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate for allegedly obtaining ₦19.9 million from three individuals under the pretence of securing international travel documents.
Three petitioners, Osmond Chukwuebuka Ugwu, Ugwu Chidubem and Amadiani Gilbert Chinedu, reported the alleged fraud to the commission.
Ugwu told investigators he met Ogbonna in 2018 while seeking to travel abroad. The suspect allegedly posed as a visa agent and offered him a Red Cross-sponsored visa to the United States for ₦1.8 million, excluding airfare. Ugwu said he initially paid ₦4 million and later made additional payments, bringing the total to ₦11.8 million.
Chidubem alleged that Ogbonna, alongside an accomplice, collected ₦5.9 million from him with promises of securing genuine travel documents to advance his football career overseas.
In a separate petition, Chinedu claimed he paid ₦2.2 million to the suspect for a work permit and visa to Australia, which never materialised.
Preliminary findings by the EFCC revealed that Ogbonna, a 44-year-old electrical engineer, allegedly presented himself as a professional visa processing agent despite not being licensed.
The anti-graft agency said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
