Sokoto Business Man In Need Of Australian Visa Loses N1.5m To Con Men In Lagos

                                                   The business man, Ogochukwu Raphael 

A Sokoto State-based businessman, Ogochukwu Raphael, is now
stranded after he came to Lagos, to visit a church to seek spiritual solution
over his dwindling business.

According to him, apart from the fact he was defrauded to
the tune of N750,000 for fake visa, the pastor allegedly collected another
N800,000 for prayers for business success before he would travel out of the
country with the Visa.

Pastor Chike Ifeanyi of Christian City International Church
has been arrested and charged before Isolo Magistrates’ court for his alleged
involvement in the Visa fraud.

The 45-year-old Ifeanyi allegedly collected N750,000 from
Oguchukwu Raphael under false pretence of procuring him an Australian resident
Visa for him.

The incident happened at 24, Mosholape street in Itire area
of Lagos where the pastor resides. But the prayer was conducted at a church at
Oke Afa where Raphael was made to part with deliverance fee.

The Ugbene, Awka, Anambra State-born Ifeanyi who resides at
25, Balogun street, Balogun Estate, Ajah, was arrested at Idimu after several
months of hide-and-seek over the matter.

After the victim paid the money, it turned out that it was a
scam as Ifeanyi did not procure any visa nor return the money to Raphael.

Rather, he told him that the embassy requested additional
10,000 dollars as deposit and sent him away from the church.

The matter was reported to the police who trailed Ifeanyi
until he was arrested and charged to court. He was charged with obtaining and
stealing under the Criminal Code. He pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrate granted him bail in the sum of
N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. He was remanded in prison custody
pending when he will perfect his bail condition. The matter was adjourned till
2 March, 2016.