Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, is being investigated over an alleged visa racketeering scheme.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency described the reports as misleading, stressing that the Immigration chief has no connection whatsoever with its ongoing investigations involving some personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
According to the EFCC, “The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG.”
The Commission explained that while there are ongoing legal proceedings against some immigration officers over alleged visa fraud, the Comptroller-General is not among those under investigation.
It noted that the affected officers are already facing trial at the Federal High Court, while additional investigations are continuing and could lead to the prosecution of more personnel linked to the alleged fraudulent activities.
The EFCC further clarified, “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.”
Reaffirming its position, the anti-corruption agency said, “However, the Immigration CG is not remotely connected to these investigations.”
The Commission also urged journalists and media organisations to verify information relating to its operations before publication in order to prevent the spread of inaccurate reports.
“The media is enjoined to always seek clarifications on the activities of the EFCC to avoid misrepresentation of facts,” the statement added.