A Nigerian professional has been handed a five-year travel ban after his application for a foreign work visa was allegedly compromised by a visa agent now accused of operating a large-scale fraud scheme that has reportedly affected dozens of victims.
The victim said the ordeal began after he was introduced to the agent, Mr. Alexander Chukwu, by a former manager at his previous workplace, who reportedly vouched for Chukwu’s credibility and experience in handling international work visa processes.
In addition, the victim disclosed that another intermediary, Ibelegbu Lovetti A., an agent who reportedly brought work opportunities to Chukwu believing he was genuine, also suffered significant losses. According to the victim, Lovetti claimed he had entrusted Chukwu with jobs valued at over ₦67 million, but to date, nothing has materialised. He further alleged that clients linked to transactions worth about ₦30 million are yet to be taken to any embassy for visa processing.
According to the victim, Chukwu collected personal documents, presented what appeared to be a legitimate job offer, and successfully booked a biometric appointment, steps that reinforced confidence in the process. Over time, the applicant paid a total of ₦3.18 million, said to cover all visa and processing fees.
However, about three months later, immigration authorities denied the visa and imposed a five-year travel ban, citing the submission of fraudulent documents. The victim said this was the first time he became aware that fake documents had allegedly been used, insisting he neither authorised nor had knowledge of any falsification.
Following the visa refusal, all attempts to contact Chukwu reportedly failed, with the agent allegedly cutting off communication and disappearing.
Further investigations by affected individuals have raised broader concerns. Chukwu is accused of defrauding more than 30 people, with total losses estimated at close to ₦100 million. Victims allege that he operated from a makeshift office within the Air Force Base in Ikeja and leveraged his wife’s alleged employment there to project legitimacy. He is also accused of claiming strong military connections to build trust.
The victim said the incident has left him devastated and deeply concerned about the long-term impact of the travel ban on his career and future opportunities. He added that beyond the financial loss, the reputational damage and restriction on international travel have been particularly painful.
Despite the setback, the victim said he is determined to pursue legal and administrative remedies to clear his name. The case has renewed concerns over visa fraud, the activities of unregulated agents, and the growing vulnerability of Nigerians seeking work opportunities abroad.