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Thursday, January 4, 2024

Police arrest Ibadan-based travel agent, charge him with N700 million visa scam

Mr Ogunkanmi said the sureties must be people with landed property with certificates of occupancy within the court jurisdictions.

• January 4, 2024
Gavel used to illustrate the story
Gavel used to illustrate the story

On Thursday, the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court Ibadan granted an Ibadan-based travel agent, Christon Wilson, 65, bail for N10 million over alleged visa for alleged N700 million visa scam.

The case is in connection with the procurement of an Australian Visa.

Counsel to the defendant, O. Abdulsalam, asked for his client’s bail on the most liberal terms, but the chief magistrate, O.O. Ogunkanmi, granted the bail in the amount of two sureties.

Mr Ogunkanmi said the sureties must be people with landed property with certificates of occupancy within the court jurisdictions.

She adjourned the matter until April 23 for mention.

Mr Wilson, of Kristi Manpower, at Damin Plaza, 42, MKO Abiola Way, Ring Road, Ibadan, was charged with 332-count charges of obtaining under false pretence and stealing.

The prosecution counsel, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant, between October 2022 and November 2023, allegedly obtained N6.7 million from one Adekemi Oni.

Mr Opaleye said, “The defendant allegedly collected the money from her under the pretence of procuring an Australian visa for her and her family, which he knew to be false and allegedly stole from her.

“Dr Wilson allegedly collected N10.8 million from Olayemi Olamona under the pretence of procuring an Australian visa for him too.

“The defendant allegedly collected different amounts of money from 166 persons to the tune of N700 million under the pretence of procuring Australian visas for them.”

Mr Opaleye said the offence contravened the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

(NAN)

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