EFCC clears immigration CG Nandap of visa fraud probe

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Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap

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By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday said the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, is not under investigation over alleged visa racketeering, contrary to media reports linking her to the ongoing visa fraud probe.

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The clarification came as the anti-graft agency maintained that its investigation remains focused on some immigration officers accused of alleged visa fraud, with more prosecutions likely as the probe continues.

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In a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC described reports linking Nandap to the investigation as inaccurate.

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

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The agency, however, said criminal proceedings over the alleged visa fraud are already pending against some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Federal High Court.

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“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court,” the statement said.

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Beyond the pending cases, the EFCC disclosed that its investigation is continuing and could result in fresh charges against additional immigration officers.

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“Further investigations are ongoing with the possibility that more NIS officers could be arraigned for alleged fraudulent practices in the near future.”

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The anti-graft agency reiterated that the ongoing investigation does not in any way involve the Immigration Comptroller-General.

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It also urged media organisations to seek clarification from the Commission before publishing reports on its activities to avoid misrepresenting the facts.

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“The media is enjoined to always seek clarifications on the activities of the EFCC to avoid misrepresentation of facts,” the statement added.

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