MICHAEL AKINOLA
A Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, has on Friday granted N2,000,000 bail with two sureties in like sum to a 35-year-old man, Oluwaseyi Okunola, who was charged for alleged N7,000,000 Canada visa fraud.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the 3-count charge under Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Mrs. O. Kusanu presided over the Commissioner of Police vs Oluwaseyi Okunola case with charge number MIKA/12/2025.
The defendant was arraigned at the Ogba Magistrate Court on counts of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing contrary to Sections 411, 314, and 287 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The Prosecutor, Supol Phillip Ademigbuji, told the court that the defendant allegedly obtained N7,000,000 from one Joy Ifeoma Otodo on 7th November, 2025, at Computer Village, Ikeja. The Police alleged that Okunola collected the money under the pretence of procuring a Canadian visa for her, which he did not do.
The charge sheet signed by CSP Ifeanyi Akaezue, O/C CTT Sparrow Base Onilekere, alleged that Okunola and others now at large conspired to commit felony at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.
The defendant, Okunola, pleaded not guilty.
Supol Ademigbuji asked the court for another date to commence hearing since the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2,000,000 with two sureties in like sum. The court ordered that the sureties must be Lagos residents with verifiable addresses.
The court ordered that Okunola be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Lagos, pending the perfection of his bail.
The alleged offences contravened Section 314 of Lagos Criminal Law, which prescribes three years imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretence. Section 287 also prescribed three years for stealing.
ASP Afolabi Bukola of CCT Sparrow Base Onilekere served as Investigating Police Officer. Police said investigation into other suspects “now at large” continues.
This case adds to Canadian visa fraud cases reported in Lagos in 2025, according to P.M.EXPRESS archives. The Canadian High Commission has warned applicants to avoid unlicensed agents.
Mrs. O. Kusanu adjourned the matter to a later date for hearing after Supol Ademigbuji requested time to produce witnesses. The exact adjournment date was not stated in court.
Legal experts advise Nigerians to verify visa agents through ICCRC and pay only to official Canadian government portals.
