The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports linking the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, to an ongoing investigation into alleged visa racketeering, insisting that she is not under scrutiny in the matter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency sought to clarify what it described as misleading media reports suggesting that the Immigration chief was implicated in the widening visa fraud investigation. According to the EFCC, the probe remains focused exclusively on certain immigration officers accused of engaging in fraudulent practices.
“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has no case with the Immigration CG,” the EFCC said in the statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the investigation, which has already resulted in criminal proceedings against some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service. The EFCC confirmed that several cases related to the alleged visa fraud are currently before the Federal High Court.
While distancing Nandap from the allegations, the commission indicated that the investigation is far from over. It disclosed that additional inquiries are ongoing and warned that more immigration personnel could face prosecution as new evidence emerges.
“There are subsisting cases of alleged visa fraud against some immigration officers at the Federal High Court,” the agency noted, adding that further investigations may lead to fresh charges in the coming months.
The EFCC did not provide details of the allegations against the affected officers or specify the number of individuals currently facing trial. However, its latest statement appears aimed at drawing a clear distinction between the institution’s leadership and the officers under investigation.
The commission also used the opportunity to caution media organisations against publishing unverified reports concerning its activities. It urged journalists and news outlets to seek official clarification before linking public officials to ongoing investigations, stressing that inaccurate reporting could distort public understanding of sensitive legal matters.
“The media is enjoined to always seek clarifications on the activities of the EFCC to avoid misrepresentation of facts,” the statement added.
The development comes as anti-corruption agencies continue to intensify scrutiny of public institutions amid broader efforts to combat fraud and strengthen accountability within government agencies. For now, the EFCC maintains that its investigation into alleged visa racketeering does not involve the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, even as the probe continues to unfold.
