EFCC Arrests Woman Over Alleged N19m, €8,370 Job Visa Scam In Enugu

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu have arrested a 33-year-old woman, Mbah Chidinma Sophina, over an alleged fraud involving N19 million and €8,370.

According to the anti-graft agency, Sophina is being investigated for criminal breach of trust and obtaining money under false pretence, after she allegedly collected the money from a victim while promising to help secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for relocation to the United Kingdom.

Investigators said the victim told them he met Sophina on TikTok in 2024 and mentioned his plan to move to the UK to work as a caregiver through a CoS arrangement. Sophina reportedly introduced herself as an Assistant Psychologist at the Priory Health Unit in Glasgow, Scotland, claiming she had contacts who could arrange the sponsorship at a cost ranging between €12,000 and €13,000.

The petitioner said she asked that the payments be made partly in naira and partly in euros. While she provided her personal bank details for the naira payments, she allegedly directed the victim to send the euro transfers to foreign accounts belonging to her associates, claiming she did not use her own overseas accounts for business transactions.

Believing the arrangement was genuine, the victim said he paid N19 million in eight instalments between August 8 and November 12, 2024. He also transferred €8,370 in four instalments between August 12 and November 21, 2024, all meant to cover the processing of the Certificate of Sponsorship.

However, months passed without any document being delivered. When the victim demanded a refund, Sophina allegedly sent what appeared to be a fake transfer alert and then blocked him on social media.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly claimed she had handed the money over to another individual, but investigators say she has been uncooperative in helping them locate the person.

The EFCC said Sophina will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.