Jun 23, 2026

EFCC Busts Travel CEO in N68m Visa Dream Scam

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in world

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Enugu, Nigeria – In a stark reminder of the perils facing Nigerians chasing opportunities abroad, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the chief executive of a travel agency and her alleged accomplice for defrauding 24 victims of over N68 million under the false promise of securing legitimate work visas.

Operatives from the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate took Chukwujindu Goodness Nchekwube, CEO of Goodben Global Travels and Tour Limited, into custody alongside Rogers Oluwaseyi Eruku (also known as Bakary Rogers Yanni).

The arrests followed petitions detailing a scheme that preyed on desperate job seekers and their facilitators, turning aspirations for better lives overseas into financial ruin.

According to the EFCC, Nchekwube positioned herself as a reliable visa consultant. One petitioner, James Ikechukwu, claimed she approached him and contracted her company to process work visas for 20 of his clients between September 2024 and December 2025.

Victims transferred a total of N57.62 million into the company’s accounts, with assurances of timely delivery.

Instead, after payments were made, Nchekwube allegedly failed to deliver genuine documents. Some recipients received what appeared to be visas or offer letters, only to discover they were forged.

Nchekwube reportedly told investigators she had handed the funds to Eruku, whom she described as someone capable of procuring visas to destinations worldwide. She attributed the fake documents to him.

A second petitioner, Oranezi David Chinedu, directly accused Eruku of collecting N10.4 million in May 2024 to secure work visas to Ireland and other countries for him and three friends.

Chinedu expressed deep disappointment, stating the documents provided were fraudulent. In total, the EFCC says the pair defrauded victims of N68.02 million.

The image released by the EFCC shows the two suspects from behind—one in a striking black and gold floral-patterned shirt, the other in a vibrant blue and white wavy design—highlighting a common practice of protecting identities during ongoing investigations.

Visa and immigration fraud remains a persistent issue in Nigeria, fueled by high youth unemployment, economic pressures, and the allure of opportunities in Europe, North America, and beyond.

Many victims sell properties, borrow heavily, or pool family resources, only to face heartbreak and debt.

As one social media commenter noted in response to the EFCC post, “People work for years, sell properties, and borrow money chasing opportunities abroad. Turning that hope into a scam is wicked.”

This case echoes similar EFCC actions in Enugu and elsewhere, where travel agents and self-proclaimed consultants have been accused of exploiting migration dreams.

Experts note that the desperation for visas creates a fertile ground for such scams, often involving forged documents that can lead to further legal troubles for victims attempting to travel.

The EFCC stated that the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. Authorities have not released further details on asset recovery or additional victims at this time.

For aspiring migrants, anti-fraud advocates and officials urge thorough verification of agents, checking for proper licensing, and avoiding large upfront payments without verifiable progress.

Cross-referencing with embassies and using official channels can help mitigate risks.

This arrest underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat economic crimes that erode public trust and hinder legitimate aspirations.

As Nigeria grapples with “japa” migration trends, cases like this highlight the urgent need for stronger regulation of travel consultancies and greater public awareness to protect vulnerable citizens.

Victims or those with related information are encouraged to contact the EFCC. Justice in such matters not only punishes the perpetrators but also offers a measure of restitution and deterrence for future scams.