EFCC: Modupe Oriyomi Ativie Arraigned for N31M Visa Fraud

• Modupe Oriyomi Ativie has been arraigned by the EFCC's Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate on five counts of visa fraud and advance fee fraud.
• The alleged fraud involves N31,062,000, $3,600, and €1,815, obtained under the false pretense of offering visa-sponsored employment to Canada.
• Ativie, along with Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, is accused of defrauding Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael and Augustine Olague of specific amounts.
• She pleaded 'not guilty' to the charges before Justice A.T. Muhammed, who ordered her remand in EFCC custody.
• A ruling on Ativie's bail application is scheduled for October 16, 2026.

The total sum involved in the alleged fraudulent activities is reported to be N31,062,000, $3,600, and €1,815.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against Modupe Oriyomi Ativie before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, concerning an alleged visa fraud scheme. Ativie, along with Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, faces a five-count charge encompassing visa fraud, advance fee fraud, and obtaining money under false pretenses. The total sum involved in the alleged fraudulent activities is reported to be N31,062,000, $3,600, and €1,815.

The EFCC's Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate presented the case before Justice A.T. Muhammed. The charges detail instances where Ativie and her company allegedly obtained significant sums by falsely promising visa-sponsored employment opportunities in Canada. This legal action underscores the EFCC's continued efforts to combat financial crimes, particularly those exploiting individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

One of the specific charges outlines an incident in July 2024, where Modupe Oriyomi Ativie and Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited allegedly obtained N8,580,000 from Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael. This sum was reportedly transferred through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda, under the false pretense of securing a visa-sponsored job in Canada. The prosecution asserts that Ativie knew this pretext to be false.

Another count alleges that between November 21, 2024, and January 23, 2025, Ativie and her company defrauded Augustine Olague of N22,482,000, again under the guise of providing visa-sponsored employment to Canada. The EFCC's investigation, initiated by a petition from Michael Aiamunotorudikari, revealed that he and other victims collectively lost money in various currencies to the defendant. Aiamunotorudikari stated that he was introduced to Eudora and Aegle Management Consultant in June 2024 as an agency facilitating Canadian visas and employment. He initially paid $5,800 into the company's account and subsequently transferred N8.58 million into another account linked to Ativie, after which she allegedly became incommunicado.

During the court proceedings, Modupe Oriyomi Ativie entered a plea of "not guilty" to all five charges. Following her plea, prosecution counsel I. Agwu requested the court to set a trial date and to remand the defendant at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending the commencement of the trial. Conversely, defence counsel J. Kehinde submitted an application for bail, arguing that it would allow Ativie to adequately prepare her defense for the upcoming trial.

Justice A.T. Muhammed, presiding over the case, ordered that Ativie be remanded in EFCC custody. The court has adjourned the matter until October 16, 2026, when a ruling on her bail application is expected. The charges against Ativie are brought under Section 1(1)(a) & (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, with one count also citing Section 1(3) of the same Act, indicating the severity of the alleged offenses.

This case highlights the persistent threat of visa and advance fee fraud, a crime that often preys on individuals' aspirations for international opportunities. The EFCC's proactive stance, as demonstrated by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, signals a strong commitment to prosecuting those who engage in such deceptive practices. The significant sums involved, spanning Nigerian Naira, US Dollars, and Euros, underscore the broad reach and financial impact of these fraudulent schemes on victims.

The prosecution under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 reinforces the legal framework available to combat these crimes. The outcome of this case, particularly the court's decision on bail and the subsequent trial, will be closely watched as it could set precedents for future prosecutions of similar fraudulent activities, emphasizing the importance of due diligence for anyone seeking overseas employment or immigration services.

Lawyers should note the EFCC's continued enforcement efforts against visa and advance fee fraud, particularly involving significant sums and multiple currencies, under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. Compliance officers should ensure robust due diligence processes are in place for any third-party immigration or travel service providers to mitigate risks of client or organizational exposure to such fraudulent schemes.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH