Immigration CG not under investigation — EFCC clarifies

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nandap is not under investigation over an alleged visa racketeering scheme involving some immigration officers.

The anti-graft agency, in a statement issued on Monday through its official X handle, described the reports as false, stressing that the Immigration Comptroller-General has no connection with the ongoing investigations into visa fraud.

According to the Commission, it became necessary to clarify the situation following media reports suggesting that Nandap was being investigated over the alleged fraudulent visa operations.

“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG,” the EFCC stated.

While exonerating the NIS boss, the Commission confirmed that it is prosecuting some immigration officers over alleged visa fraud at the Federal High Court, adding that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

It disclosed that further investigations could result in additional immigration officers being arraigned over alleged fraudulent practices.

“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court. Further investigations are ongoing with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future,” the statement read.

The Commission, however, maintained that Nandap is not in any way connected to the cases under investigation.

“However, the Immigration CG is not remotely connected to these investigations,” the EFCC added.

The anti-graft agency also called on journalists and media organisations to verify information concerning its activities before publication, noting that doing so would help prevent the spread of inaccurate reports and misrepresentation of facts.

It urged the media to seek clarification from the Commission whenever there is uncertainty regarding ongoing investigations or enforcement actions.