Lagos man remanded in custody over alleged N23.5m visa scam, case adjourned until June 17
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A court has remanded one Ewulum Chimeze Felix in custody for allegedly defrauding a man of N23,500,280 under the pretext of helping him with visa and papers for work in the United Kingdom.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Felix at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos where he is facing before Judge Mojisola Dada alleged 11 counts involving obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, possession of fraudulent documents, and forgery.
EFCC counsel M. B. Isha recounted to the court that the incident allegedly took place at the defendant’s firm where he conducted business under the name of Slenzy Ventures to defraud one Nnochiri Chiedozie Boniface.
Isha told the court that Felix allegedly
- Scammed Boniface under the pretext of securing for him United Kingdom visa, work permit, and certificate of sponsorship to facilitate his travel abroad.
- Collected N18,038,000 from Boniface in Lagos sometime in 2024 but failed to fulfil his promises.
- Claimed the money was meant for processing UK visa and work permit, which he knew was false.
- Was caught in possession of several allegedly fraudulent documents, including a forged Florida driving licence bearing the name “Vojtisek Adriena,” which he presented to victims to further his alleged fraudulent schemes.
Felix pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Isah requested the court to fix a trial date and that Felix be remanded in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
But defence counsel Michael Nwigbo informed the court of a pending bail application and requested a short adjournment to hear it.
The Judge adjourned the case until to June 17 for trial and ordered the remand of the defendant in a custodial facility.
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