Canadian Dream Turns Costly: EFCC Charges Woman Over ₦31m Visa Fraud Allegation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a woman, Modupe Oriyomi Ativie, over an alleged visa and employment fraud scheme involving more than ₦31 million, US$3,600 and €1,815, raising concerns about the financial risks associated with overseas job-placement promises.

Ativie was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on a five-count charge bordering on alleged visa fraud, advance-fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.

The EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate accused Ativie and her company, Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, of allegedly collecting money from prospective migrants under the pretext of securing Canadian visa-sponsored employment.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice A.T. Muhammed ordered that Ativie be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings and fixed October 16, 2026, for a ruling on her bail application.

Alleged Employment Promises Under Investigation

One of the charges alleges that Ativie and her company obtained ₦8.58 million from Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda, in July 2024, purportedly to secure Canadian visa-sponsored employment.

Another count alleges that the defendant and her company obtained ₦22.482 million from Augustine Olague between November 21, 2024, and January 23, 2025, under a similar arrangement.

The EFCC said the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The case reportedly followed a petition by Michael Aiamunotorudikari, who alleged that he and other individuals lost money in different currencies in connection with the arrangements.

According to the petition, Owhonda introduced the company in June 2024 as an agency offering Canadian visa and employment opportunities to prospective migrants.

The petitioner alleged that he initially paid US$5,800 into an account belonging to the defendant’s company before transferring ₦8.58 million into another account linked to her. He further claimed that Ativie became unreachable after the payments and that his attempts to recover the money were unsuccessful.

The EFCC said its investigation identified a total of ₦31.062 million allegedly received from the petitioner, alongside US$3,600 and €1,815 reportedly obtained from other alleged victims.

The allegations have yet to be established in court.

Compliance Implications: Recruitment and Migration Risks

The case highlights the risks associated with fraudulent recruitment and migration-related services, particularly arrangements involving promises of overseas employment, visa sponsorship and guaranteed travel opportunities.

For compliance professionals, such cases demonstrate the importance of verifying the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and intermediaries, examining payment arrangements and scrutinising transactions where the services being offered are unclear or cannot be independently verified.

Financial institutions also have a role to play in identifying suspicious payment patterns, maintaining transaction records and reporting suspicious activity where required by law.

However, payments to migration or recruitment service providers are not inherently suspicious. Risk assessments should take account of the circumstances of each transaction, the parties involved, the stated purpose of the payment and any available evidence of misrepresentation.

Warning Signs for Prospective Migrants

The allegations underscore the importance of conducting due diligence before paying for overseas employment or immigration services.

Promises of guaranteed visas or jobs should be independently verified through official immigration channels and prospective employers. Applicants should establish the legal identity of an agency, obtain written contracts and receipts, and understand precisely what the fees cover.

Payments to personal accounts or unrelated third parties may warrant additional scrutiny, particularly where the recipient’s role is unclear. Pressure to make immediate payments, claims of privileged access to immigration authorities and unexplained communication breakdowns are further reasons to exercise caution.

Maintaining copies of payment confirmations, correspondence, contracts and recruitment documents can help individuals pursue complaints or support investigations if a transaction is disputed.

These precautions cannot eliminate every risk, but they can help prospective migrants identify potential warning signs before committing significant sums.

Defence Seeks Bail as Proceedings Continue

Following Ativie’s plea, prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, asked the court to schedule the trial and remand the defendant pending further proceedings. Defence counsel, J. Kehinde, applied for bail to enable Ativie to prepare her defence.

Justice Muhammed ordered that she remain in EFCC custody and fixed October 16, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application.

The proceedings are expected to continue as the court considers the bail request and the case progresses

For the compliance sector, the allegations highlight the intersection of consumer protection, recruitment oversight and financial crime prevention. Effective due diligence, transparent payment arrangements and appropriate reporting mechanisms remain important safeguards against suspected advance-fee fraud.

The allegations against Ativie and her company remain subject to judicial determination. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in accordance with the law.