An Edo State-based pastor, Ojo Perfect, and his associate Collins Agbonbaye have recounted a harrowing account of how they lost a combined N30 million in a suspected immigration scam while attempting to relocate abroad for better opportunities.
According to the victims, the ordeal began when they engaged the services of a man identified as Nosa Ighodaro, who presented himself as capable of facilitating legitimate travel and work documents.
The pair allegedly paid substantial sums — totaling around N30 million — with the dream of starting a new life overseas.
Ighodaro initially promised to procure the necessary documents for travel to the United Kingdom. He later shifted the destination to New Zealand before finally settling on Canada as the target country. The victims claimed they trusted the process and made payments in stages as requested.
Discovery of Fake Documents in Cameroon
The scam reportedly unraveled when the victims reached Cameroon as part of the arranged journey. There, they discovered that the travel documents and work permits provided were fake. This left them stranded, completely broke and unable to proceed with their relocation plans.
The victims narrated their experience publicly, highlighting how the repeated changes in destination raised suspicions only after significant funds had already been handed over. They described feeling deceived and expressed frustration over the loss, which they said represented major personal and possibly communal investments.
Broader Context of “Japa” Scams
This case fits into a pattern of immigration and visa-related frauds targeting Nigerians eager to emigrate — often called the “Japa” trend. Fraudsters commonly exploit desperation for greener pastures by promising visas, work permits, or residency documents to popular destinations like Canada, the UK, or Europe.
Victims frequently pay large sums (often in millions of naira) only to receive forged papers, leading to financial ruin, deportation risks, or being stranded in transit countries.
Authorities and anti-fraud agencies regularly warn the public to verify agents through official channels, avoid upfront large payments without verifiable progress, and cross-check documents with embassies. Many similar scams involve middlemen who disappear after collecting funds or provide documents that fail basic checks at borders or airports.
As of the latest reports, it remains unclear whether Nosa Ighodaro has been apprehended or if formal complaints have led to police investigation. The victims’ decision to speak out aims to raise awareness and potentially warn others against similar schemes.
The incident underscores the risks in the unregulated travel consultancy space and the emotional and financial toll on individuals, including respected community figures like pastors, seeking better opportunities abroad. Victims are often advised to report such cases to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or police for possible recovery and prosecution efforts.
About the Author
