Canadian visa scam: Lagos engineer arraigned for defrauding brother of N11 million

A 35-year-old audio engineer named Elijah Olorunpimi, accused of defrauding his elder brother, Steve Olorunpomi, a 46-year-old pastor, of N11 million under the false pretense of assisting him in obtaining a Canadian visa, was arraigned on Monday before the Tinubu Magistrate Court on Lagos Island.

The charges brought against the defendant include conspiracy, stealing, obtaining under false pretense, and breach of peace, as filed by the police.

It was reported that the defendant, in collaboration with others who are still at large, conspired to deceive his elder brother and pastor, promising to facilitate a Canadian visa for him. The alleged fraudulent act took place on April 25, 2023, at Animashaun Street, Alapere area of Lagos State.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Francis Igninosa, the defendant misappropriated the sum of N11 million for personal use. The prosecutor further asserted that Elijah Olorunpimi knowingly presented false information to Steve Olorunpomi regarding his ability to secure a Canadian visa for him.

The charges leveled against the defendant are in violation of Sections 411, 287 (9) (d), 314, and 168 (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2015.

Despite the accusations, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Azeez Alogba granted him bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties required to provide a similar amount.

The case has been adjourned to February 22 for mention.