Kaduna: Man jailed two years over N1.8m visa fraud

The Kaduna State Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday sentenced 40-year-old Michael Timothy to two years in prison for engaging in a N1.8 million visa fraud.

Having pleaded guilty to the charge, Timothy was sentenced without the option of a fine by Trial Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel. The magistrate emphasized that the sentence would run consecutively, serving as a deterrent to others.

Inspector Chidi Leo, the prosecutor, informed the court that Timothy faced charges of obtaining money by pretense. According to Leo, Timothy deceitfully acquired N1.8 million from Cynthia Cole, promising to facilitate a Canadian visa for her.

This fraudulent act, as outlined by Leo, contravened the Kaduna State Penal Code of 2017. Throughout the trial, four witnesses testified, providing details of the convict’s actions on February 20.