A wave of indignation has swept through the Nigerian diaspora in the United States following allegations that a Texas-based man, identified simply as “KO”, has defrauded numerous citizens of thousands of dollars under the guise of a Nigerian passport intervention exercise.

The suspect, who presents himself as a clergyman and “Prophet of the Most High God,” reportedly operates under the company name Global Tours and Partyride LLC through which he runs what he calls a “Passport Intervention Program”. The phone number on a flyer advertising his services – +1(682) 717-3360 did not connect as of the time of filing this report. He did not also respond to a message sent to his Facebook Messenger. Interior Ministry officials in Nigeria said they were analyzing the complaints and actively looking into the case.

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has however denounced activities of the said cleric, saying he is neither their personnel nor vendor.

A senior official of the Service who spoke to Saturday Vanguard but begged that his name should not be mentioned because his brief does not include speaking to the press, said the fraudster was being tracked.

He however admitted the difficulty in tracking him for now because he has discarded his known telephone line and vacated the address he gave to his victims.

The official also blamed the development on the usual attitude of many Nigerians to seek “quick fixes” even in situations where government has provided a seamless, legal route for certain services.

“Most of our processes are digitized. Payments can be made online after filling the necessary forms online.

“People have been using this option including Nigerians resident in Nigeria. It is a simple, do it yourself process. You just visit our website and follow the necessary prompts,” he said.

According to him, the Service is in the process of kick-starting another round of sensitization campaign to let its publics know that the processes are largely digital.

The official added that no immigration personnel took money from any passport applicant, explaining that the said scammer was one of the leaders of the Nigerian community in Atlanta who decided to organize a so-called “passport intervention program” for his community.

“He apparently facilitated online payments for a few of them in order to gain their trust and having gained their trust, absconded with the money of others.

“If they had paid online by themselves and can present to us evidences of payment, we could have printed their passports.

“It is unfortunate that the man tried to drag the Service into this. We did not collect money from anyone.

“And this is an opportunity to tell them that for their e-visas, they should look up the website and follow the procedures. We won’t be responsible for anyone who goes ahead to pay any individual in the guise of an agent. We don’t have agents. Do not pay to anyone, not even our officials. Go online and do everything yourself,” he stated.

Victims narrate ordeal

Victims allege that KO exploited the credibility of the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta by advertising his services under its auspices, leading many to believe his operations were government-sanctioned.

Multiple victims have come forward with similar accounts of paying significant fees – ranging from $500 to over $800 – for passport booklets and renewal services that were never delivered.

“I paid for my passport and I never got it,” stated one victim, Tobi Jaji, on Facebook, under a comment section where the cleric was called out.

Another complainant, Isaac Olorunisola, warned the public to beware of KO, describing him as a “scammer of the highest order” who has “soiled the name of pastors across the world”.

The frustration is compounded by the suspect’s alleged disappearance. Victims report that after collecting payments as far back as October 2024, KO ceased all communications. Efforts to serve him with court documents in Arlington, Texas, have reportedly failed as he was not found at the premises.

The scandal has also cast a shadow over the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta. Victims claim the consulate’s lack of responsiveness and poor reputation facilitated the scam.

“I reported him to the embassy in Atlanta because he advertised under the auspices of the consulate. Of course, the Nigerian office didn’t respond,” one victim lamented.

Declan Rawlings, another victims, said; “I am facing same challenges. Since October 2024, I am yet to see my passport. This agent is a scanner. You can’t even reach out to him through phone”.

Others described the consulate as “horrible,” noting that calls are rarely answered and messages are ignored, leaving citizens vulnerable to third-party predators.

Further adding to his perceived legitimacy, KO reportedly made appearances on major Nigerian television networks to promote his business interests.

While some have reported the matter to the Better Business Bureau, BBB, and attempted legal action, others expressed exhaustion with the process, citing a lack of support from both the Nigerian government and local U.S. law enforcement.

“Police will tell you there are more serious cases they have to deal with,” one victim noted, while another expressed fear that reporting the issue through official Nigerian channels would be dismissed as politically or ethnically motivated.

Most of the victims however expressed confidence in the Interior minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to handle the matter, saying he may not have been aware of the situation. (Saturday Vanguard)