“How Woman Allegedly Defrauded Victim of N19m, €8,370 in UK Certificate Scam” — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has arrested a 33-year-old woman, Sophina Mbah, over an alleged scheme in which a victim lost N19 million and €8,370 while trying to secure a work opportunity in the United Kingdom.

In a statement on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said operatives of the commission’s Enugu Zonal Directorate arrested the suspect following a petition by the victim.

According to the EFCC, the victim said he met Ms Mbah on TikTok in 2024 and told her about his plan to relocate to the United Kingdom to work as a caregiver through a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Ms Mbah allegedly claimed she was an assistant psychologist at Priory Health Unit in Glasgow, Scotland, and said she had contacts who could arrange the certificate for between €12,000 and €13,000.

Investigators said the suspect directed the victim to make payments partly in naira and partly in euros. She reportedly provided her bank account for naira transfers and the foreign accounts of associates for euro payments.

The EFCC said the victim transferred N19 million in eight instalments between 8 August and 12 November 2024, and €8,370 in four instalments between 12 August and 21 November 2024 for the processing of the certificate.

However, months after receiving the payments, the suspect allegedly failed to provide the promised document. When the victim demanded a refund, she reportedly sent a fake transfer notification and later blocked him on social media.

During interrogation, Ms Mbah allegedly claimed she passed the money to another individual but has not assisted investigators in tracing the person.

The EFCC said the suspect will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

Under Section 419 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, obtaining money or benefits by false pretence is a criminal offence that carries a minimum prison sentence of three years upon conviction. Courts may also order restitution of the stolen funds.