The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a woman, Modupe Ativie, over alleged visa fraud involving more than ₦31 million, US$3,600 and €1,815.
Ativie was arraigned before Justice A. T. Muhammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on a 5-count charge bordering on visa fraud, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant and her company, Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, allegedly obtained ₦8.58 million from Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda, in July 2024, under the guise of securing visa-sponsored employment for him in Canada.
The Commission also alleged that the defendant obtained ₦22.482 million from Augustine Olague between November 2024 and January 2025 for a similar purpose.
Ativie pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Muhammed ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until October 16, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application.
The EFCC said the case followed a petition by Michael Aiamunotorudikari, who alleged that he and other victims lost money to the defendant.
According to the petitioner, his sister introduced him to the company in June 2024 after it was presented as an agency facilitating Canadian visas and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He alleged that he paid US$5,800 into an account linked to the defendant’s company and subsequently transferred an additional ₦8.58 million into another account associated with her.
The petitioner further alleged that the defendant became unreachable after receiving the payments, while efforts to recover the money proved unsuccessful.
The EFCC said its investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly received a total of ₦31.062 million from the petitioner, alongside US$3,600 and €1,815 from other victims.
The case has been adjourned until October 16, 2026, for a ruling on the defendant’s bail application.
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(Editor: Ken Eseni)
