An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, today, granted an Ibadan-based travel agent, Christon Wilson, 65, bail for N10 million, over alleged N700 million visa scam.
This is in connection with an alleged visa scam amounting to N700 million, specifically related to the procurement of Australian visas, reports NAN.
The defendant’s counsel, Mr. O. Abdulsalam, requested the bail on the most lenient terms, and Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. O. Ogunkanmi granted the bail with two sureties.
Ogunkanmi specified that the sureties must possess landed property with Certificates of Occupancy within the court’s jurisdictions. The case has been adjourned until April 23 for mention.
Wilson, associated with Kristi Manpower at Damin Plaza, 42, M.K.O. Abiola Way, Ring Road, Ibadan, faces 332-count charges of obtaining under false pretense and stealing.
The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, informed the court that between October 2022 and November 2023, the defendant allegedly obtained N6.7 million from one Adekemi Oni.
Opaleye stated that Wilson purportedly collected the money under the false pretence of procuring an Australian visa for Oni and her family, knowing it to be untrue, and allegedly stole from her.
Additionally, Dr. Wilson is accused of collecting N10.8 million from Olayemi Olamona under the false pretense of obtaining an Australian visa for him.
The defendant purportedly collected varying amounts from 166 individuals, totaling N700 million, falsely claiming to procure Australian visas for them.
The prosecution argued that these actions contravene the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
