By Daniel Edu
In a recent development, Michael Ogundepo, who claims to be a pastor, found himself in police custody in Ondo State on allegations of running a visa application scam.
The 39-year-old suspect was apprehended by the vigilant personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSC Aidamenbor Daniel, the arrest followed a case involving Ogundepo’s alleged fraudulent activities against a victim, Miss Fagbuyiro Ajetomobi-Yemi.
It was disclosed that the suspect had purportedly received the sum of N1.67 million to facilitate a visa application for Miss Ajetomobi-Yemi. However, Ogundepo, who resides at No. 15 Ewu Agbo Street, Ikorodu Lagos, withheld both the money and the complainant’s passport for an extended period, effectively preventing her from pursuing an alternative visa application.
“The command extended multiple invitations to the suspect, but he consistently declined, claiming to be abroad and even resorting to using a fake international number to contact the complainant in an attempt to disguise himself,” stated the NSCDC PRO.
The suspect was eventually apprehended when he was summoned to collect a purported sum of N3,000,000 for a visa-related job, unaware that this was a sting operation.
The ongoing investigation has uncovered several instances of fraud perpetrated by the pastor against unsuspecting clients, Daniel reported.
Once the investigation is complete, the suspect will face legal charges, as his actions are subject to punishment under Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37, Vol. 1 of Ondo State, 2006.
