The anti-graft agency says the Comptroller-General “is not remotely connected” to ongoing investigations as some immigration officers face trial over alleged visa fraud.
By Danjuma AMODU
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, of any involvement in the alleged visa racketeering scandal, while confirming that investigations into a fraud network within the Service are continuing.
The anti-graft agency, in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said reports linking the Immigration chief to the ongoing investigation were false and misleading.
The EFCC stressed that although it is investigating alleged visa fraud involving some personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Comptroller-General “is not remotely connected” to the cases.
According to the Commission, some immigration officers are already standing trial before the Federal High Court over alleged visa fraud, while further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the scam and identify other officers who may have been involved.
The Commission disclosed that the ongoing probe could result in the arraignment of additional immigration personnel found culpable in the alleged fraudulent practices.
“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG,” the statement said, adding that “the Immigration CG is not remotely connected to these investigations.”
The EFCC urged media organisations to verify information concerning its investigations before publication to avoid misleading the public and misrepresenting the facts.
The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that the Immigration Comptroller-General was under investigation over alleged visa racketeering. The EFCC maintained that its focus remains on officers implicated in the alleged fraud and on expanding investigations to dismantle the network behind the scam.
