EFCC Probes Alleged Visa Overstay Extortion At Immigration

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing alleged visa overstay extortion scheme at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

The investigation involved senior officers of the NIS and centres on allegations that some NIS personnel exploited foreigners who overstayed their visas by extorting large sums of money instead of enforcing the official penalties prescribed under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025.

Under the policy, foreigners who overstay their visas are required to pay a fine of 15 US dollars for each day they remain in the country after their visa expires.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the alleged racket has existed for years and spans the tenures of several Comptrollers-General of Immigration.

The suspects are said to include officers stationed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; and the NIS headquarters in Abuja.

Investigators reportedly uncovered significant assets linked to some of the suspects.

Among those questioned by the anti-graft agency are an assistant superintendent of immigration, who serves at the Lagos airport; deputy superintendent of immigration at the Abuja airport; among others.

The investigation began after a whistleblower, identified as a female immigration officer, reported the alleged racketeering to the EFCC.

The source claimed investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the extortion of visa over-stayers had been ongoing for several years.

The source further alleged that one Deputy Superintendent of Immigration had remained posted to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for more than a decade – an unusually long deployment.

During a search of his residence, investigators reportedly recovered several immigration stamps allegedly used in carrying out the illegal operation.

Investigators are also examining claims that the officer maintained direct contact with successive comptrollers-general of immigration, with his statements said to be providing crucial insights into the operation of the alleged syndicate.

The EFCC is also considering inviting some former comptrollers-general of immigration for questioning as part of efforts to verify statements made by the suspects and establish the full scope of the alleged scheme.