EFCC uncovers NIS visa overstay racket, grills visa officers

● N700m found in one suspect’s accounts as investigators trace multi-billion-naira estates, proxy accounts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has uncovered an alleged multi-billion-naira visa overstay racketeering network within the Nigerian Immigration Service.

At least five serving officers, including a Deputy Comptroller, have been grilled by investigators.

The investigation cuts across the administrations of several former Comptrollers-General of Immigration.

It has reportedly uncovered about N700 million in the bank accounts of one suspect and several multi-billion-naira estates allegedly acquired by another through proxies.

The alleged racket centres on the extortion of foreigners who overstayed their visas.

Investigators are probing how immigration officials allegedly diverted or illegally collected huge sums from affected foreigners.

The development comes against the backdrop of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, which introduced a penalty regime requiring foreigners who overstay their visas to pay $15 for every day spent in the country after the expiration of their visas.

—Where the probe is focused—

The EFCC investigation is reportedly focused on officers operating at:
1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
3. NIS headquarters in Abuja

—Officers questioned so far—

Among those said to have been questioned are:
– Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Bashar Suleiman – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos
– Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Musa Abubakar – Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja
– Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Dotun Aridegbe- Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller-General
– Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Emmanuel Imaekhai – Personal Assistant to the CG
– Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, O. Babatunde – Personal Assistant to the CG

—How it started—

The investigation was reportedly triggered by information from a female immigration officer who blew the whistle on the scheme.

“We opened an investigation into the visa overstay racket after a female immigration officer blew the lid on the racketeering,” a source familiar with the probe said.

The source alleged that investigators found links between the racket and several aides of the current Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap.

“Several of her aides have indicted her directly and indirectly. Investigators are looking into whether she was a beneficiary of the multi-billion-naira extortion racket,” the source said.

The allegations against the Comptroller-General remain subject to investigation, and no formal charge has been announced against her.

—What investigators found—

The source said the extortionists might have operated for years, possibly under successive Comptrollers-General.

“It is an interesting but damaging case because we found out that the extortion of overstayers has been going on for several years under past CGs, some of whom appeared to have benefitted from the scheme.”

Investigators also identified a Deputy Superintendent who has served at Abuja airport for more than 10 years — a posting described as unusual.

A search of the officer’s apartment allegedly uncovered immigration stamps from various international airports across Nigeria.

The officer is said to have maintained close relationships with successive CGs.

“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 said.

The EFCC is also investigating the alleged use of proxies to conceal proceeds.

Some individuals whose names were used to operate accounts and acquire properties reportedly told investigators they acted as fronts.

—Denials—

One of the officers, CSI O. Babatunde, denied involvement: “I am not involved in a scam and do not have any visa scam issue, please. I was never invited for visa scam.”

Others contacted — Dotun Aridegbe, Emmanuel Imaekhai, Bashar Suleiman — did not respond to messages sent to their mobile lines.

The EFCC has not publicly announced charges, and the investigation is ongoing.

The commission is expected to scrutinise assets, bank accounts and financial transactions linked to suspects. Former Comptrollers-General may also be invited to clarify findings.

All allegations remain subject to investigation, and the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.