The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, is under investigation over alleged visa racketeering.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, described the claims as false, stressing that the anti-graft agency has no case involving the Immigration chief.
According to the EFCC, while investigations into alleged visa fraud involving some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service are ongoing, the Comptroller-General is not linked to the probe.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is aware of media reports about alleged visa racketeering involving some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, especially subtle insinuations regarding an assumed investigation of the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap.
“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration Comptroller-General,” the statement said.
The EFCC, however, confirmed that some immigration officers are already facing prosecution before the Federal High Court over alleged visa fraud-related offences.
It added that investigations are continuing and hinted that additional officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service could be arraigned in court if further evidence emerges.
“However, the Immigration Comptroller-General is not remotely connected to these investigations,” the Commission stated.
The anti-graft agency urged media organisations to verify information with the Commission before publication to avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts.
The clarification comes amid speculation linking the NIS leadership to ongoing investigations into alleged fraudulent visa processing involving some immigration personnel.
