Two individuals have been brought before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, facing serious charges for an alleged multi-million Naira scam that preyed on the aspirations of hopeful travelers. The case highlights a persistent and damaging form of fraud targeting vulnerable individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
The defendants, identified as 28-year-old Betty Amenbley and 33-year-old Djorboah Abraham, were arraigned on Monday, December 22, 2025. They pleaded not guilty to charges of felony and fraud, specifically for allegedly obtaining a sum of 52,000 Ghanaian Cedis (equivalent to approximately N6,576,720) under false pretences.
According to the prosecution, led by ASP Edet Ekpo, the scheme operated from Atinporomeh in Badagry. The complainants, Prosper Donkor and Priscilla Dufit, were allegedly promised comprehensive travel facilitation to Poland in Europe, coupled with the prospect of employment—a powerful lure for many seeking economic improvement. This type of scam, often called “travel-and-job fraud,” exploits the high demand for legitimate migration pathways and the complex, often opaque, nature of international visa processes.
The prosecutor detailed that after receiving the funds, the defendants failed to deliver on any of their promises. Instead, they are accused of converting the money for personal use, leaving the complainants financially depleted and without the promised travel documents or jobs. This outcome is tragically common in such schemes, where agents request large upfront payments for services they have no capacity or intention to provide.
The legal framework underpinning the charges is significant. ASP Ekpo cited that the offences contravene Sections 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. To provide deeper context:
- Section 314 deals specifically with obtaining property by false pretences, which carries a potential penalty of up to seven years imprisonment.
- Section 411 relates to conspiracy, which can be invoked when two or more persons agree to commit an unlawful act.
The invocation of these sections indicates the prosecution’s intent to treat the case as a serious, premeditated criminal enterprise.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate A.J. Aina granted bail to both defendants at N1 million each, with two sureties required for each defendant. Crucially, he mandated that one of the sureties must be gainfully employed, a common judicial condition aimed at ensuring the sureties have a verifiable stake in the community and can be held accountable. The case was adjourned until January 27, 2026, for mention, marking the next step in what will likely be a protracted legal proceeding.
This case serves as a critical reminder for the public. Potential migrants are advised to exercise extreme caution: always verify the accreditation of travel agents with relevant embassies and regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Travel Agencies Commission; be wary of requests for full payment upfront; and independently confirm any promised job offers with the alleged overseas employer. The arraignment in Badagry is a positive step toward accountability, but it also underscores the need for continued public education and stronger regulatory oversight to protect citizens from such exploitative schemes.
Source: NAN News
