EFCC Nabs TikTok Fraudster in N19m, €8,370 UK Visa Scam

Operatives from the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 33-year-old Mbah Chidinma Sophina on charges of criminal breach of trust and obtaining money under false pretences. The suspect allegedly defrauded a victim of N19 million and €8,370 by promising a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for UK relocation as a caregiver. The scam unfolded after the victim connected with Sophina on TikTok sometime in 2024.

Sophina posed as an Assistant Psychologist at Priory Health Unit in Glasgow, Scotland, claiming connections to secure a CoS for €12,000 to €13,000. She directed payments in naira to her local bank accounts and euros to associates’ foreign accounts, avoiding her personal overseas details for “business” reasons. Between August 8 and November 12, 2024, the victim transferred N19 million in eight instalments; euro payments of €8,370 followed in four tranches until November 21.

Despite confirmations of receipt, Sophina never delivered the CoS, leaving the petitioner waiting months. When pressed for a refund, she issued a bogus transfer alert then blocked him across social media platforms. During EFCC probes, she alleged passing the funds to a third party but refused cooperation in tracking them down. She faces court charges post-investigation.

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This arrest aligns with EFCC’s intensified anti-fraud drive, including recent cases like the January 2026 arraignment of Wilson Opuwei for a $550,000 kerosene scam and March 2026 conviction of Obiajulu Emeka Emmanuel for $850,000 fraud, resulting in jail time, fines, and asset forfeiture. Such schemes exploiting migration dreams via social media are rising, urging public vigilance.