Visa Agent Arrested At Gunpoint, Detained In Barracks Over Failed Visa

The management of an Abuja-based travel agency, SMT Limited, has raised public concern over the alleged unlawful detention of one of its staff members, Mr. Dan Wesley, who was reportedly taken away at gunpoint and detained at the Guards Brigade, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, by individuals identified as military personnel. It was gathered that Wesley’s arrest followed a dispute arising from a Canada work visa application process. An agent identified as Mr. Leo had introduced Mrs. Bridget Ladi to the company as a client seeking assistance with a Canada work visa. It was learnt that following standard procedure, an interview was conducted between the client and a prospective employer. However, after the interview stage, the employer reportedly declined to proceed with the application. The company further alleged that following this development, Mr. Leo visited its office on King Jaja Street, Gwarimpa, Abuja, on two separate occasions. On both visits, he was reportedly accompanied by armed personnel in a military police van allegedly from the Guards Brigade, Mambilla Barracks, said to be led by a warrant officer identified as W. O. Abubakar. Management disclosed that on January 20, 2026, Mr. Leo was formally advised to submit a written request for a refund in line with the company’s established refund policy, which allows up to 60 days for processing. The company claims that this procedure was rejected by the agent, who allegedly mobilised armed military personnel, leading to the arrest of Dan Wesley, a staff member of the company. It was further alleged that Wesley was taken into custody at gunpoint, subjected to maltreatment, and has since been kept incommunicado. The company also alleged that it was informed that the detention was carried out on instructions “from above,” a development it described as deeply troubling. The company condemned what it termed harassment, intimidation, and an abuse of authority, and called for Wesley’s immediate release. It added that all its dealings with the client were conducted professionally and in strict adherence to established procedures. A source familiar with the case said all efforts to secure his release have so far proved unsuccessful. Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, were unsuccessful, as she neither answered calls to her mobile phone nor responded to messages sent to her.