Woman Arrested by EFCC for Allegedly Defrauding Victim of N19 million

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Mbah Chidinma Sophina for allegedly defrauding an unsuspecting victim of N19 million and €8,370 under the guise of securing a United Kingdom visa sponsorship.

The suspect was apprehended following a petition written by the victim, who alleged that Sophina claimed to possess “high-level connections” capable of facilitating travel documentation and sponsorship to the UK.

According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency, the suspect allegedly collected the funds in various installments, citing “visa processing fees” and “travel arrangements” as the reasons for the payments.

Investigations by the EFCC revealed that after the victim successfully transferred the total sum—amounting to over N27 million when converted—the suspect failed to deliver the promised visa.

Rather than fulfilling the agreement, Sophina reportedly cut off all forms of communication with the victim, prompting the intervention of the commission.

A source within the commission confirmed that Sophina was tracked down and arrested after preliminary findings corroborated the victim’s claims.

“The suspect allegedly exploited the victim’s desire to travel abroad by presenting herself as an influential figure in travel consultancy. Once the money was paid, she vanished,” the statement read.

The EFCC further noted that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The commission has warned members of the public to be wary of individuals who claim to have “special influence” at foreign embassies or visa processing centers, urging Nigerians to follow official channels for all travel-related matters.