Visa Racketeering And Nigerian Ethnicities: Yorubas are in charge here

Using false identity to travel abroad
By Kunle Adeyemi
Published: Friday, 1 Feb 2008
The craze to travel abroad by all means arguably became a noticeable fad in Nigeria about 20 years ago, when unemployed graduates, prostitutes and school drop-outs began to explore every crooked method of finding their way into western countries. Methods common to these sets of desperate youngsters include the most dehumanising stowing away system. By this, young Nigerians hide themselves in cargo compartment of ships so that they could be ferried out of the country without the knowledge of the owners of the ship. Another harrowing method of running out of the country is crossing the border on foot and escaping into any of the North African countries, especially Libya, from where they cross to Spain. Many have lost their lives in the process.


Perhaps, the most criminally-inclined method of travelling abroad is the use of another individual‘s passport in which the new, albeit fake owner of the passport bears the data identity of the original owner of the passport. In a few cases, such fraudulent people had been lucky to beat the screening machinery at foreign embassies’ entry borders and had triumphantly entered the foreign country of their choice. But most often, many others have not been so lucky. The fortunate ones among them were simply refused visas, while the unfortunate ones were arrested at the embassies and handed over to the police.

In the last one year, detectives at the Criminal Investigation Department, Lagos State Police Command, and the Special Fraud Unit, Nigeria Police, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, have prosecuted over 30 suspects for passport-related offences. An investigation by our correspondent showed that 17 of the suspects pleaded guilty and were summarily tried and convicted. However, the sentences seem not to be a sufficient deterrent for the convicts. The sentences ranged between six and 18 months imprisonment, and in most cases, with an option of fine.

The investigation further showed that sometime in 2005, a gang of armed robbers raided the Lagos home of a media executive. The executive (names withheld), who was still at work at about 8pm when the robbers struck, had his passport stolen among other valuables. The passport, seen as hot cake, had expired visas of many foreign countries. The case was reported at all the embassies concerned. Over two years after the robbery, precisely in December 2007, a 31-year-old man, Segun Amure, was arrested with the stolen passport at the British Embassy. He was processing a UK visa when he was arrested. Amure was not alone. After adopting the name, date of birth, state of origin, marital status et al, of the original owner of the passport, he was joined in a phoney marriage with a lady, Joy Alarape, so that the lady could obtain a British visa as the wife of a ‘frequent traveller.’ The lady was also arrested.

Since the stolen passport had only expired visas, the culprits needed to apply for a visa renewal before the passport could be used. However, since the case had been reported to both the police and the High Commission, it was easy to invite the culprits for an interview and arrest.

During interrogation, Amure, who is in the custody of the SFU and will soon appear in court, told our correspondent that he had been making futile attempts to emigrate since 1998. He said a passport racketeer, identified as Fola Arogundade, offered him the stolen passport and promised him a visa for a fee of N300,000. ”I never met Joy before, it was Fola who arranged everything and told me that both of us would appear at the embassy as husband and wife. After we had been given our passports, Fola gave me Joy‘s number so that I could call her. Some days before the Ileya festival, I received a call that we were to appear at the embassy for interview on January 3. I met Joy there. A security man first sent us away, but I met another man who promised to assist us. The man collected our papers and went inside. He came out about 20 minutes later and asked us to follow him in. We were asked to sit down and we waited for about four hours before a white man opened the door and asked if we were the couple intending to travel. I said yes and he just beckoned to a man standing by the door and pointed at us. The man, who we later discovered is a policeman, took us away from the embassy and that was how we found ourselves here,” Amure said.

However, after his arrest, detectives at the SFU, who were bent on getting to the root of the matter, had a Herculian task tracing the whereabouts of Arogundade, the man behind the sale of the stolen passport. At a point, the suspect was said to have travelled to London. He was also said to have been deported. After about two weeks of search, the detectives traced him to a house in Ikorodu, Lagos, where he was arrested.

Arogundade himself admitted that he had been preparing fake passports and other travel documents for desperate travellers for many years for a fee. “I do most of the paper work at Oluwole (Lagos Island‘s now demolished notorious spot for forging and counterfeiting documents). All I do is to buy an original but stolen passport, I will then take it to Oluwole where they will remove the original passport photograph and fix the fake owner‘s passport photograph. It costs me N20,000 to do that,” Arogundade said.

The suspect claimed to have bought the passport he used for Amure from one Alberto, who he said was in London and a kingpin in passport racketeering. He further linked the passport to another suspect, Abiodun Adewunmi, who is also in the SFU net. Alberto allegedly sent a telephone number to Adewunmi and asked him to call the line. The owner of the line was the one who reportedly delivered the passport to Adewunmi and the latter then handed it over to Arogundade.

Arogundade, 35, who confessed that he had no stable job, said some of the people he had procured fake travel documents for had successfully used them to travel out of the country, usually by bribing departure point officials and then pleading for assylum in Europe; while a few others had not been so lucky. Although all the suspects are still in SFU’s custody, the commissioner in charge of the police formation, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, told our correspondent that the suspects would have been charged to court two weeks ago but for some legal and administrative bottlenecks.


http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2008013111145018

A Yoruba woman was arrested in Lagos recently using an Igbo name to procure a VISA

Mrs ''Okorie'', whose real name is Oloruntoyin Onanuga Omobowale was reportedly arrested at the American Embassy in Lagos for trying to procure visas with an alleged forged documents on December 13, 2007. First, ''Okorie'' failed miserably in her attempt. She didn't get the visa; she lost money not only to the American Embassy but to the people who provided the forged papers with which she attempted to obtain the visa and she spent the Christmas and New Year with the Special Fraud Unit, Milverton Road, Ikoyi.

Second, Mrs. ''Okorie'' does not even pretend to have respect for the law. According to the report, she had been at the same embassy in 2000, 2002 and again in 2007 using different names.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200801070689.html

Na wah for Yoruba and Forge Forge.

Police battle visa racketeers
02.26.2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

In recent times, the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigerian Police has been inundated with complaints on several cases of forgery and impersonation discovered during visa applications and interviews at the American Embassy, Lagos. Why are the racketeers having a field day? Eugene Agha writes

 The suspect, Islamiyat Olaronke Agoro was alleged to have gone to the American Embassy on January 8, 2008, for a visa interview, with the above name. Upon review of the Embassy’s records, according to THISDAY source at the embassy, it was discovered that the suspect had previously traveled to the United States, using another identity. It was suspected that on July 30, 2007, the suspect entered the United States with a United Kingdom (UK) passport No 09448024 bearing the name Salimot Agoro. This was confirmed through finger prints and physical recognition software. The suspect and recovered documents were forwarded to Special Fraud Unit (SFU) for further investigation.

Investigation into the matter commenced and the suspect made useful statements to the police. It has now been established that the suspect actually traveled to the United States, using a UK passport bearing the name Salimot Agoro. It later turn out that the said Salimot Agoro was her sister with whom she shares some physical resemblance.

Following the discovery, the police at the Special Fraud Unit have extended its drag net to the UK to arrest the said Salimot. The said Saimot Agoro, according to THISDAY check shows that Salimot Agoro is  presently residing in the UK and efforts are on to reach her for questioning, while her sister would soon be arraigned in court upon completion of investigation.

The second suspect, according to the Commissioner of Police in charge of SFU, Mr. Olayinka Balogun is Emaghara Uche Joseph. According to Balogun, on January 4, 2008 one Emaghara Uche Joseph applied for a visa at the American Embassy, Lagos. He tendered a Nigerian Passport containing Canadian and Hungarian visas, which upon close inspection by the consular officer were believed to be counterfeit.

He explained that during investigation, the suspect made a confessional statement, stating that both visas were forged for him by one Shola Iyun, at the rate of N80,000. This, he claimed was done to make his passport appear used, and thereby creating an impression that he was a frequent traveler. The said Shola Iyun will be declared wanted, while the above suspect would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigation.

Though, it did not rest after the arrest of the two suspects, Balogun stated that the criminal activities of these fraudulent Nigerians have brought about the bad image which the country has been subjected to in the past. While it was still planning to prosecute the two suspects, a third person was brought in following the complaint from the embassy. The suspect who was identified as Popoola Stephen was alleged to have applied to the American Embassy for a visa with Nigerian Passport No A31604904,  Upon inspection of their records, Balogun stated that it was suspected that the applicant had earlier attempted to travel to the US on a forged Beninois Passport with a counterfeit American visa.

Upon interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted that in July 2006, he actually traveled to the US via Amsterdam on a forged Beninese passport with a counterfeit visa. The forgeries were discovered in Amsterdam whilst in transit and he was subsequently deported to Benin. He further stated that he paid one Shina Ajibade, the sum of four hundred thousand naira (N400, 000.00) for the forged documents.

“On January 14, 2007, Adebisis Olushola Ogunpola attended a visa interview at the American Embassy.  A close perusal of her Nigerian passport revealed Chinese and Turkish visas, which were believed to be fake,” he said.

Upon interrogation by detectives at the SFU, she allegedly made a confessional statement, admitting to having procured one Musibau to forge the visa for her at the rate of N50,000. This was to enable her passport appear used, instead of the fresh passport that it was. Suspect would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigation. Another suspect Babatunde Akindele on January 15, 2008, appeared at the American Embassy to review his visa. A scrutiny of the records revealed that the suspect had been using various names at the Embassy, hence the report” he added.

Interrogation by detectives at SFU led the suspect to admit to having perpetrated several scams in a bid to get an American visa.  He confessed that in 1999, he traveled to the US on a British passport No. 003306622 bearing the name Dare Akintola, which was procured to him by one Adedeji Johnson.

He used this passport to travel to the US, but was deported at the point of entry. In 2001 he also applied for a US visa, using a Nigerian passport number A1080618 bearing the Babajide Johnson Adedeji. This was also detected and the application was refused. He still re-applied in 2001 with his real name and his application was successful, until he was detected at point of renewal. Investigation in his case is in progress.

Hadijat Olasunbo Balogun is also going through similar interrogation with the Police. She had applied for a US visa and was subsequently invited for an interview. On close scrutiny, her document where discovered to be forged. Detectives at SFU swung into action on receipt of the case. The suspect was interrogated, and she made a confessional statement where she detailed how she forged the papers.  Her alleged husband, Kehinde Balogun who conspired with her was equally arrested. Documents recovered from the couple include a fake West African Senior School Certificate, a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Agreement, UBA and GTBank Statements of Accounts, Corporate Affairs Commission Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association and Yaba College of Technology Certificate.

However, Kehinde Balogun made useful statement admitting that he paid one Ojolo Oluseyi the sum of N200,000 to procure the forged documents.  Upon his arrest, Ojolo Oluseyi, allegedly admitted collecting the money from the suspects. He claimed that he also in turn paid one Dide from Benin Republic the sum of N75,000 for the documents.  Police last week gave indication that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigation.

On January 10, 2008, one Emmanuel Onyekachi Chukwu allegedly attended a visa interview at the US Embassy. Upon review of the records, it was discovered that he had applied for visa previously, using different identity. On interrogation, it was discovered that in 2000, he applied for a visa using the name Emmanuel Ukaegbu Chukwu with date of birth as 28/07/1979. In 2004, he applied as Emmanuel Onyekachi Chukwu with another date of birth. He also gave false information to the Embassy in 2004, when he presented a woman with kids as his family but denied having a family in 2005. Investigation is in progress, and suspect would also be arraigned in court upon conclusion of his case.

Balogun warned the public to be wary of dubious agents who claim to be able to procure visa, especially American visas, for unsuspecting or gullible members of the public. Potential applicants should also be warned that they not only risk losing money in the process but may also face trial which may lead to imprisonment and subsequent inconveniences.

http://odili.net/news/source/2008/feb/27/201.html

Let leave tribal issue,  lets deals with Nigeria Govt,  I will be more convinient if am in the country called Nigerdelta

But the Yorubas are the main BaBa.

Hi guys,
Its a beautiful day and we are looking forward for the bright weekend hope you too already planed like she did as you can hear from her.
Pls don't let your weekend pass you by, enjoy it and keep the memories.
If you are looking for a place of enjoyment why can't you join this wonderful JUJU Musician Lekan Ogunmasa A.K.A.  ARIYA FLAVOUR this Friday @ Aries Restaurant Wine & Bar 120, Morning Lane, Hackney London, E9 6LH from 8pm till late, pls don't miss this London Big Boy's Favourite.

See you there,

Prince Bayo

Yoruba will never agree they're giving Nigeria Bad Names.
They like accusing other tribes of wrongdoing and pretend to be Saints. But I'm happy Nigerians are seeing the truth now. It's now noticeable and well documented that 90% of crime committed in Nigeria today are carried out by the Western Nigerians.

Where did you get those lines (in bold) from and what are your evidences. The same old hackneyed song, right?

@ poster
 what exactly are you trying to achieve with this topic? this is the issue  in Nigeria finger pointing, without contributing anything to solve the problem. Until we unite to fight issues we are just wasting our time.

"Yoruba will never agree they're giving Nigeria Bad Names.
They like accusing other tribes of wrongdoing and pretend to be Saints. But I'm happy Nigerians are seeing the truth now. It's now noticeable and well documented that 90% of crime committed in Nigeria today are carried out by the Western Nigerians."

Mr Willy*2:  Western Nigerians (by implication Yorubas) commit 90% of the crimes in Nigeria!!!! haba!!  You must  be joking - how about Ibo's  - also "well-documented" to be willing to do ANYTHING for money - I'm sure my Nna are all saints. I think you have your % right but your region wrong - you really must have meant to type Eastern Nigerians

Are you Yorubaphobia? or what are you up to?, i think you should contribute positively for others to see your good hand work not to be pointing fingers, as this will not help you, and people will fill you have nothing to offer.
I will like to read articles that will inspired me as well as others, not this kind of stuff of been onesided.

Have a nice day,

Prince Bayo

@ poster

Are you actually contesting with someone?  Or you have a major assignment to riducule Yoruba through this means.  Yourself and Willy come out & tell us your tribes and let us tell you the worst things that has happened to you.

You see what I always say about this people? They are really good in this, because they are the 'self - acclaimed' smartest and most educated. All the armed robbers arrested in Nigeria are mostly Yorubas. Na wa o.

Posted by Colonia:

I'm with you!

I think we should just leave guys alone to say whatever they feel like saying about the Yoruba, if no one respond to their gossip, i think that will make them unpopular in this community forum as the have nothing to offer.
Pls my Good friends don't let this guys waste your precious time on stuff like this, lets have another issues that will benefit our society

Again leave them em alone they are good for nothing

Prince Bayo