By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti State Command, has arraigned a woman, Abigail Brains Timothy, for allegedly defrauding a cleric and 65 other individuals of over ₦159 million in a fraudulent visa and job placement scheme.

According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Tolulope Afolabi, the suspect was arrested after a thorough investigation and was brought before a Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti.

The Scam Uncovered

The NSCDC said Timothy operated an elaborate visa scam, promising unsuspecting individuals—mainly young job seekers and professionals—travel documents and work permits to Canada and other countries.

One of the victims, identified as Pastor Adewusi Tibatope Samuel, and 65 others were reportedly lured into paying a combined sum of ₦159,108,364 between 2022 and 2024.

“The suspect paraded herself as an international job placement agent. Many of her victims sold property, borrowed money, or emptied savings, believing they were traveling abroad,” said the NSCDC spokesperson.

After months of evasion, Timothy was traced to Benin City, Edo State, where she was arrested in collaboration with NSCDC intelligence units in Lagos and Ekiti.

She was subsequently arraigned on multiple counts of conspiracy, advance fee fraud, and obtaining under false pretense.

The court has ordered that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending the continuation of her trial.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on fraud, especially scams targeting desperate job seekers and religious communities.

“This is a clear warning to all individuals exploiting the dreams and trust of Nigerians. Justice will take its course,” the Corps stated.