The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has brought charges against businessman Shitta Waliu Aderibigbe and his company, Fanzine Educational Consult, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja.
The duo faces allegations of orchestrating a sophisticated visa fraud and marriage scam that has reportedly defrauded multiple victims.
According to the prosecution, Aderibigbe and his firm allegedly lured unsuspecting individuals with promises of securing international visas and facilitating marriages abroad, only to defraud them of substantial sums of money.
The charges detail a scheme where victims were promised expedited visa processing and, in some cases, arranged marriages with foreign nationals to secure residency permits.
However, after collecting payments, the defendants allegedly failed to deliver on these promises, leaving victims stranded and financially devastated.
The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement, revealed that the investigation was launched following numerous complaints from victims across the country.
Preliminary findings suggest that Aderibigbe and Fanzine Educational Consult operated a network that preyed on individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
The police allege that the firm used falsified documents and fictitious partnerships with foreign embassies to gain the trust of their targets.
During the arraignment, the prosecution presented evidence, including bank transactions, forged visa documents, and testimonies from affected victims.
The IGP emphasized the police’s commitment to combating fraud and protecting Nigerians from exploitative schemes.
“We will ensure that justice is served, and those who exploit the dreams of innocent citizens face the full weight of the law,” the IGP stated.
The defense counsel, however, argued that Aderibigbe was a legitimate businessman whose services were misunderstood by the complainants.
They requested bail for the accused, citing his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
The presiding judge, Justice Aisha Mohammed, adjourned the case to June 10, 2025, for a bail hearing and ordered that Aderibigbe remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The case has sparked public outrage, with many calling for stricter regulations on consultancy firms offering immigration and visa services.
Victims of the alleged scam, some of whom were present in court, expressed hope that the trial would bring closure and restitution for their losses.
The police have urged anyone with additional information or similar experiences involving Fanzine Educational Consult to come forward as the investigation continues.
This case underscores the growing concern over fraudulent schemes targeting Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, prompting calls for increased vigilance and regulatory oversight in the immigration consultancy sector.
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