The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Modupe Oriyomi Ativie before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over an alleged Canadian visa fraud involving N31.062 million, $3,600 and €1,815.
Ativie was brought before Justice A. T. Muhammed by the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate on a five-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretences. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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The commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the arraignment in a statement on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
According to the EFCC, Ativie and her company, Eudora and Aegle Management Consulting Limited, allegedly collected money from individuals after promising to secure Canadian visa-sponsored employment opportunities for them.
One of the charges alleged that Ativie and her company obtained N8.58 million from Atamuotoru Dikiari Michael through his sister, Rita Chikeru Owhonda, in July 2024. The payment was allegedly made under the pretence of securing visa-sponsored employment for Michael in Canada.
Another count accused the defendant and her company of obtaining N22.482 million from Augustine Olague between 21 November 2024 and 23 January 2025 under a similar arrangement.
The alleged offences are said to contravene Section 1(1)(a) and (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Following Ativie’s plea, prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, asked the court to fix a date for trial and order that the defendant be remanded pending the determination of the case.
However, defence counsel, J. Kehinde, applied for bail, arguing that the defendant should be allowed to prepare for her trial.
In a brief ruling, Justice Muhammed ordered that Ativie be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the case until 16 October 2026 for a ruling on the bail application.
Petition triggered investigation
The EFCC said the prosecution followed a petition by Michael Aiamunotorudikari, who alleged that he and other individuals lost money in different currencies after engaging the defendant’s company for assistance with Canadian visas and employment opportunities.
According to the petitioner, his sister introduced him to the company’s services in June 2024 after it was presented as an agency that facilitated visas and job opportunities for Nigerians seeking to travel to Canada.
He alleged that he initially paid $5,800 into an account associated with the defendant’s business before transferring N8.58 million into another account linked to Ativie.
The petitioner further claimed that the defendant became unreachable after receiving the payments and that his attempts to recover the money were unsuccessful.
The commission said its investigation showed that Ativie received a total of N31.062 million from the petitioner, alongside $3,600 and €1,815 allegedly collected from other victims.
The case remains before the court, and Ativie’s plea of not guilty means the allegations have yet to be established at trial.
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The court is expected to rule on her bail application on 16 October 2026.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
