Unscrupulous travel agents are exploiting Nigerians’ desire to seek opportunities abroad, a phenomenon increasingly referred to as the “Japa Syndrome.”
A recent report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan sheds light on the experiences of victims, travel sector professionals, and legal experts regarding this issue. The report emphasizes the need for Nigerians to counter this trend by encouraging the youth to invest in Nigeria rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
According to NAN, some victims have invested significant personal assets, including retirement funds, properties, and vehicles, in hopes of meeting the financial requirements for their travel aspirations. Many travel agents, who requested anonymity, confirmed the rising number of fraudulent operators and advised prospective travelers to verify the legitimacy of agents before proceeding.
Several victims, who requested anonymity due to ongoing legal proceedings, have shared their stories. NAN has acquired documents indicating that numerous agents are currently facing trials for alleged fraud. Notably, two agents, identified as Timothy and Kayson, are being tried for defrauding approximately 150 individuals through the issuance of fake Australian visas.
One victim, Mr. Daniel Okwudiri, reported that he paid N3,835,500 to an agent in October 2020 for a U.S. visa and work permit, but the agent neither delivered on the promise nor refunded the money. The agent is now facing trial.
A cleric, Moses Igbekele (a pseudonym), claimed to have been swindled of N32,500,000 by an agent promising a work placement and Certificate of Sponsorship for the UK. Igbekele deposited £33,800 into the agent’s account in 2022 after verifying the agent’s legitimacy online. The agent and his associate have since ceased all communication.
Businesswoman Mrs. Ruth Adebimpe, a sub-agent for UK travel documents and accommodations, recounted her experience with a fraudulent agent named Eze. She paid £2,800 in February 2021 for a Certificate of Sponsorship and introduced 10 others, each paying £3,700. After payments were made, Eze ceased communication, and Adebimpe later discovered it was a scam.
Another victim, Mr. Abdulqadri Mohammed, was defrauded of N4,535,000 by an agent who promised to secure a Canadian student visa. The agent, identified as Johnson, charged N1.7 million for processing and an additional N450,000 for preparation. Mohammed also paid £3,000 for his tuition, but the visa was denied in March 2022. The agent fraudulently requested a refund from the school using Mohammed’s details, and the funds were diverted to the agent’s account.
Additionally, another anonymous victim reported being defrauded of N14.3 million by a travel agent while attempting to secure a visa and travel ticket to New Zealand.
