Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a 33-year-old woman for allegedly orchestrating a travel visa scam scheme that defrauded over 90 prospective travellers of N42.3 million.

The suspect, identified as Adejoke Ayomide, a resident of Adesoye Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a manhunt.

Her arrest came after a petition was lodged by a law firm, Akindayomi Oluwa Tobi & Associates, on behalf of the victims who had fallen prey to her purported fraudulent actions.

According to investigations by the police, Ayomide operated under the guise of a legitimate travel consultant, claiming to have the capacity to secure travel visas to Spain, Portugal, and France.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement, disclosed that between October 2024 and April 2026, the suspect allegedly collected money from at least 93 intending travellers, who entrusted her with their life savings and travel aspirations.

Jimoh stated, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect presented herself as a travel consultant capable of securing visas to Spain, Portugal, and France.

“Acting on these representations, the victims entrusted her with processing travel documents for more than ninety-three intending travellers. The suspect allegedly received a cumulative sum of ₦42,326,000.00 through her OPay account for the purported visa processing.

“The suspect is currently in police custody, where she has made useful confessional statements. Efforts are ongoing to unravel the full scope of the alleged fraudulent scheme, identify possible accomplices, and establish whether there are additional victims. Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court accordingly.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, commended the professionalism and resilience of the investigating officers whose diligent efforts led to the successful arrest. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of financial crimes are brought to justice.

“The Command also advises members of the public to exercise due diligence before engaging individuals or agencies for visa processing and overseas travel arrangements.

“Prospective travellers are encouraged to verify the authenticity and credentials of travel agents before making payments and to promptly report any suspicious or fraudulent activities to the nearest police station.”