Visa scam: Man charges woman N.85m for N19,500 Schengen visa, faces prosecution

34-year-old man, Oluwaseyi Adefin, has reportedly obtained N850,000 from a woman, ostensibly to help her obtain a Schengen visa.

A Schengen visa costs €60 per adult person, €35 per persons age 6-12 years of age, while children under six years are issued the visa free of charge.

In Naira cost, according to the http://www.italy-ng.com/tourist_visa.html the highest amount payable for a Schengen visa is N19,500.

The highest fee payable by those going for long-term stay is N37,700.

However, Adefin allegedly defrauded the woman of N850,000 on pretext of securing a Schengen visa for her, and has appeared in a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagostoday (Wednesday). ‎
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Adefin, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
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The accused committed the offences sometime in August 2016 at No. 24, Adisa Bashau St., Off Adelabu, Surulere, at about 1.00 p.m., Police Prosecutor Christopher Okoliko told the court.

‎He said the accused obtained N850,000 from the complainant, Fibiana Ikechion, with a promise to get a Schengen visa for her.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Schengen 26-member-states include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain.

Okoliko said the accused failed to procure the visa for the complainant or refund the money.

‎The offences contravened sections 285(1) and 321 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).‎

NAN also reports that Section 285 (1) stipulates three years for stealing, while Section 321 provides two years for obtaining by false pretences.
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The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.‎

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. A.A. Paul, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Paul said one of the sureties must be gainfully employed, while the other surety should be a landed property owner in Lagos State.

In addition, the sureties ‎should provide evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

‎The case was adjourned until May 31 for mention. (NAN)