EFCC Arraigns Woman Over Alleged N31m, $3,600, €1,815 Canadian Visa Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a woman, Modupe Oriyomi Ativie, before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged visa fraud involving millions of naira, dollars and euros.
Ativie was arraigned by the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate before Justice A. T. Muhammed on a five-count charge bordering on visa fraud, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.
According to the commission, the defendant allegedly obtained N8.58 million from Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda, in July 2024, under the pretext of securing him visa-sponsored employment in Canada.
Another charge alleged that Ativie and Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited obtained N22.482 million from Augustine Olague between November 21, 2024, and January 23, 2025, under the same pretence.
The EFCC said the alleged offences contravened the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Ativie pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant pending trial. However, defence counsel, J. Kehinde, applied for bail to enable her client to prepare for the trial.
Justice Muhammed subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until October 16, 2026, for a ruling on her bail application.
The case followed a petition by Michael Aiamunotorudikari, who alleged that he and other victims lost money to the defendant in connection with promised Canadian visa and employment opportunities.
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 initially paid $5,800 into an account belonging to Eudora and Aegle Travel Management Consultant before making an additional payment of N8.58 million into another account linked to the defendant.
The petitioner reportedly said 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 N31.062 million from the petitioner and additional sums of $3,600 and €1,815 from other victims.
The allegations are yet to be proven in court.
