Crime/Social Justice
Visa scam ordeal as Nigerian families defrauded of ₦24 Million by Abuja firm seek refunds
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
03 Dec 2025 04:53 AM
Benin, Edo – In a brazen case of immigration fraud that has left multiple families in financial ruin, authorities in Nigeria are on the verge of arresting executives from Avatrust Company in Abuja.
The firm allegedly swindled nine individuals out of a staggering ₦24 million under false promises of expedited Canadian visas, prompting swift intervention from civil rights activists and federal police.
The victims, whose payments were funneled through a diaspora intermediary, include children and dependents with names evoking hope and heritage: Peace (₦1.5 million), Kindness (₦6 million), Abigal (₦4 million), Nehemiah (₦6 million), Edejoro (₦2.35 million), Samuel (₦3 million), Treasure (₦2 million), Gold (₦2 million), and Benjamin (₦600,000).
These funds were remitted in December 2024 by Mr. Precious, a Nigerian based abroad, on behalf of his relatives seeking new opportunities in Canada.
Avatrust, posing as a reliable visa consultancy, assured the families that processing would conclude within six months. Instead, as deadlines passed without progress, the company resorted to evasive excuses during follow-ups.
Reports from the affected parties indicate threats of legal repercussions if refunds were demanded, escalating the distress for families who had pooled savings and taken loans for the dream of relocation.
The scam came to light through the determined efforts of Mr. Chima Raphael, Mr. Precious's brother residing in Benin City.
Alarmed by the mounting delays, Raphael reached out to the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups, enlisting the support of Comrade Alexander Egwali Ojumah from Human Rights Vanguard and Comrade Arishe Monday from the Foundation for Justice for the Underprivileged.
The coalition filed a formal complaint with Avatrust's headquarters in Abuja, which deflected responsibility and prompted escalation to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at the Federal Command Headquarters.
An assigned investigation officer has recorded statements from the complainants, including detailed transaction records and communication logs with the firm.
Sources close to the probe confirm to DAILY South Nigeria that arrest warrants are finalized, with operations expected imminently.
This incident underscores a surging wave of visa-related fraud targeting Nigerians amid high demand for opportunities abroad.
Just last month, the diplomatic missions of Canada, the UK, and Australia launched the #FightingVisaFraud campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week, highlighting how scammers exploit desperate applicants with guarantees of jobs, fast approvals, and "special deals."
The initiative warns of red flags like exorbitant fees and pressure tactics, hallmarks eerily matching the Avatrust saga.
The firm allegedly swindled nine individuals out of a staggering ₦24 million under false promises of expedited Canadian visas, prompting swift intervention from civil rights activists and federal police.
The victims, whose payments were funneled through a diaspora intermediary, include children and dependents with names evoking hope and heritage: Peace (₦1.5 million), Kindness (₦6 million), Abigal (₦4 million), Nehemiah (₦6 million), Edejoro (₦2.35 million), Samuel (₦3 million), Treasure (₦2 million), Gold (₦2 million), and Benjamin (₦600,000).
These funds were remitted in December 2024 by Mr. Precious, a Nigerian based abroad, on behalf of his relatives seeking new opportunities in Canada.
Avatrust, posing as a reliable visa consultancy, assured the families that processing would conclude within six months. Instead, as deadlines passed without progress, the company resorted to evasive excuses during follow-ups.
Reports from the affected parties indicate threats of legal repercussions if refunds were demanded, escalating the distress for families who had pooled savings and taken loans for the dream of relocation.
The scam came to light through the determined efforts of Mr. Chima Raphael, Mr. Precious's brother residing in Benin City.
Alarmed by the mounting delays, Raphael reached out to the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups, enlisting the support of Comrade Alexander Egwali Ojumah from Human Rights Vanguard and Comrade Arishe Monday from the Foundation for Justice for the Underprivileged.
The coalition filed a formal complaint with Avatrust's headquarters in Abuja, which deflected responsibility and prompted escalation to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at the Federal Command Headquarters.
An assigned investigation officer has recorded statements from the complainants, including detailed transaction records and communication logs with the firm.
Sources close to the probe confirm to DAILY South Nigeria that arrest warrants are finalized, with operations expected imminently.
This incident underscores a surging wave of visa-related fraud targeting Nigerians amid high demand for opportunities abroad.
Just last month, the diplomatic missions of Canada, the UK, and Australia launched the #FightingVisaFraud campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week, highlighting how scammers exploit desperate applicants with guarantees of jobs, fast approvals, and "special deals."
The initiative warns of red flags like exorbitant fees and pressure tactics, hallmarks eerily matching the Avatrust saga.
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