The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti State Command, has arraigned a woman, Abigail Brains Timothy, over an alleged N159 million visa scam.

According to a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Tolulope Afolabi, the suspect was apprehended after a petition was filed by one Pastor Adewusi Tibatope Samuel, who alleged that Timothy defrauded him and other victims of a total sum of N159,108,364.

Afolabi disclosed that following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the matter was formally charged to court. “The case is currently before a competent court in Ado-Ekiti, which has ordered the remand of the suspect at the Correctional Centre pending the continuation of trial,” the statement said.

He emphasized that the Ekiti State Command of the NSCDC remains committed to diligent prosecution of offenders in accordance with Nigerian laws and international best practices on the humane treatment of suspects.

Providing further insight into the case, Afolabi said that Timothy allegedly deceived Pastor Adewusi by claiming she had the capacity and necessary connections to procure visas and work permits for 65 individuals. The pastor reportedly introduced these individuals to her as his clients.

“Under this false pretense, she induced the complainant to pay the said amount for visa and work permit processing,” Afolabi stated.

He further explained that on May 25, 2025, NSCDC operatives arrested the suspect in Benin City, Edo State, following a formal complaint and extensive intelligence efforts. She was said to have fled Lagos and gone into hiding before being tracked and apprehended.

The NSCDC’s Intelligence and Investigation Department conducted a thorough investigation which, according to Afolabi, revealed that Timothy had no genuine intention or capacity to deliver on the visa and employment promises she made.

Reaffirming the Corps’ mandate, Afolabi said the NSCDC remains dedicated to protecting lives and property, securing critical national assets, and prosecuting crimes such as economic sabotage, illegal mining, and pipeline vandalism.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. Toma Enya, also cautioned the public to be wary of fraudulent visa agents. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious individuals to law enforcement agencies instead of resorting to jungle justice or self-help measures.

He added that the Corps’ peace and conflict resolution unit is available to mediate civil disputes where both parties are willing to engage in lawful resolution.