EFCC Probes Alleged ₦700m Visa Overstay Fraud in Nigerian Immigration Service
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an extensive investigation into an alleged visa overstay fraud within the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), with several serving officers reportedly undergoing interrogation over their suspected involvement.
The investigation is centred on the collection and administration of penalties imposed on foreign nationals who overstay their visas in Nigeria.
PulseNets learnt that investigators are probing allegations that substantial funds generated from the visa overstay penalty regime were diverted through unauthorised channels over several years.
Sources familiar with the development told PulseNets that no fewer than five immigration officers, including a senior officer holding the rank of Deputy Comptroller, have so far been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
The affected officers are attached to strategic immigration formations, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, and the Nigerian Immigration Service headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.
PulseNets gathered that investigators have traced significant financial transactions allegedly linked to some of the officers under scrutiny. One of the suspects is reportedly being investigated over about ₦700 million allegedly found in bank accounts associated with him.
Another officer is also reportedly being questioned over several high-value properties believed to have been acquired through proxies.
According to findings obtained by PulseNets, investigators suspect that some immigration personnel exploited foreign nationals who overstayed their visas by collecting payments outside the official government channels. Authorities are now working to establish the full scale of the alleged operation and identify everyone who may have benefited from it.
The investigation has drawn widespread attention because it relates to the enforcement of visa regulations introduced under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025. The policy requires foreigners who remain in Nigeria after the expiration of their visas to pay a daily overstay penalty.
Officials familiar with the matter told PulseNets that the investigation was triggered after a female immigration officer reportedly exposed suspicious activities within the system.
Her allegations are said to have prompted investigators to examine financial records, bank transactions and property acquisitions linked to several immigration officers.
“We opened an investigation into the visa overstay racket after a female immigration officer blew the lid on the racketeering,” a source involved in the investigation said.
The source further disclosed that investigators are examining the roles allegedly played by several officers as well as individuals connected to them. Financial documents, property records and other materials are reportedly being reviewed to determine how the suspected network operated.
Among those reportedly questioned are Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Bashar Suleiman, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Musa Abubakar, Chief Superintendent of Immigration Dotun Aridegbe, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Emmanuel Imaekhai and Assistant Superintendent of Immigration O. Babatunde.
PulseNets also learnt that investigators are looking into claims that proceeds from the alleged scheme were concealed through third parties. Individuals whose identities were allegedly used to open bank accounts or acquire properties have reportedly provided statements explaining their roles.
Further findings suggest the suspected operation may have existed for several years. Investigators are reportedly exploring whether the alleged activities continued under different administrations within the Nigerian Immigration Service and whether former officials possess information relevant to the case.
Part of the investigation is focused on a Deputy Superintendent who has reportedly served at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for more than a decade. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the lengthy posting and his alleged connection to the wider operation.
Sources also told PulseNets that immigration stamps linked to different international airports were reportedly recovered during a search connected to the officer. Authorities are currently assessing the significance of the recovered items as part of the ongoing investigation.
“He is known to relate directly with all serving CGs. His admissions have been illuminating as he is the linchpin of the operation,” the source alleged.
The current Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, has also been mentioned in some of the allegations being reviewed by investigators. However, no formal allegation or criminal charge has been filed against her, and authorities have not publicly linked her to any wrongdoing.
Officials involved in the investigation stressed that the inquiry remains ongoing and that no final conclusions have been reached. They emphasised that everyone mentioned in the matter is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
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Meanwhile, one of the officers named in connection with the investigation, Chief Superintendent of Immigration O. Babatunde, has denied any involvement in the alleged visa overstay fraud.
The EFCC has yet to file any criminal charges in relation to the case. However, PulseNets learnt that investigators will continue scrutinising bank accounts, assets and financial transactions linked to the suspects as efforts intensify to determine the full extent of the alleged visa overstay racket.
