CurrentReport Blog Mbakwe & Co (Graceville Chambers), a Nigerian law firm, has officially petitioned the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) regarding an alleged case of visa fraud involving a Dubai-based Nigerian, Mrs. Victoria Onu Uyigianshi. The law firm claims that Uyigianshi defrauded four Nigerian victims, failing to deliver Canada Work visas despite receiving payments totaling two million eight hundred thousand Naira.
The petition, dated March 11, 2025, reveals that the four victims, Paschal Odoemena, Emmanuel Opara, Henry Ugwu, and Chinedu Onuiri, paid N700,000 each to Uyigianshi’s company, JEVON GLOBAL CONSULT LTD, in February 2023. In exchange, they were promised Canadian work visas. The victims also deposited their international passports with a man named Ishaya Bawa, who is allegedly part of Uyigianshi’s fraudulent scheme. The law firm claims the money was paid in good faith, with an agreement that the remaining N700,000 balance would be paid once the visas were secured.
Despite the payment, the law firm asserts that Uyigianshi has failed to procure the visas and has refused to return the victims’ passports. Since February 2023, the victims have allegedly been subjected to false promises, including being summoned to Abuja multiple times for alleged visa interviews that never took place. These failed attempts have reportedly caused the victims financial hardship, forcing them to borrow money for trips that turned out to be a scam.
The petition, addressed to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of NIDCOM, details the fraudulent actions as a breach of trust, conspiracy, cheating, and fraud. Mbakwe & Co urges NIDCOM to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter to hold those responsible accountable. The law firm also expressed hope that NIDCOM’s intervention would deter future fraudulent activities by Nigerians in the diaspora.
According to the petition, the victims placed their trust in Uyigianshi, who was introduced to them by Ishaya Bawa, a third-party allegedly involved in the scheme. Uyigianshi reportedly presented herself as an expert in securing Canadian work visas, which led the victims to believe she could fulfill the visa promises. The law firm has attached evidence, including bank transfer receipts and contract agreements, to support their claims.
In response to the allegations, Uyigianshi’s lawyer, Endurance O. Adeoaun of Prudent Legal Consults, sent a letter addressing the concerns raised by the law firm. Uyigianshi’s lawyer acknowledged the frustration of the victims due to delays in the visa process but claimed that the scheduling of biometric appointments was beyond her client’s control, as it depended on the issuing authorities. Uyigianshi’s legal representative emphasized that the matter was a business transaction and that no criminal intent was involved.
The response further argued that the terms “breach of trust,” “cheating,” “visa fraud,” and “conspiracy” used by Mbakwe & Co were unfounded and unjustified. Uyigianshi’s legal team expressed willingness to discuss a refund timeline should the victims be unwilling to wait for the visa process to conclude.
Mbakwe & Co, in their petition, has urged NIDCOM to investigate the matter thoroughly, emphasizing the need for swift action against fraudulent activities involving Nigerians abroad. The law firm expressed confidence that NIDCOM’s intervention would prevent further exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians seeking international opportunities.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on NIDCOM to determine how it will handle this serious allegation of visa fraud, which has left four Nigerian nationals at a significant loss, both financially and emotionally. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how similar cases involving Nigerians in the diaspora are addressed in the future.
