By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A Nigerian woman, Mrs. Linda, has publicly accused a self-styled caregiver trainer and travel consultant, identified as Vodina West, of allegedly defrauding her of millions of naira through what she described as a fake overseas employment and visa processing scheme.
Mrs. Linda, who shared her experience as a warning to other Nigerians in a media post made available to journalists, alleged that she fell victim after enrolling in a caregiver training programme advertised by the suspect in 2024, following assurances that participants would be assisted in securing caregiver jobs and work visas in countries where such professionals are in high demand.
According to her, the programme was presented as a pathway to legitimate employment opportunities abroad, with promises that successful trainees would be connected with foreign employers and assisted through every stage of the relocation process.
She explained that after the training, participants were informed that each applicant would be required to pay ₦9.5 million to cover visa processing, flight tickets and two years’ accommodation overseas. However, they were allegedly told that the process could commence upon payment of an initial deposit of ₦4 million.
Convinced that the offer was genuine, Mrs. Linda said she borrowed money from friends and relatives to raise the ₦4 million deposit, which she transferred to the consultant after receiving repeated assurances that preparations for her relocation had begun.
According to her, communication allegedly changed shortly after the payment was made. She claimed that despite repeated enquiries, months passed without any meaningful update regarding her application, travel documents or visa processing.
She further alleged that after waiting for about six months, she intensified efforts to obtain information on the progress of the process but was allegedly met with silence, evasive responses and increasing difficulty in reaching the consultant.
Mrs. Linda stated that more than one year after making the payment, there was still no evidence that any visa application or travel arrangements had commenced.
She claimed that when she demanded explanations in 2025, the consultant allegedly became hostile, responding with insults, threats and aggressive behaviour rather than providing information about the status of the application.
Realising that she might have been deceived, Mrs. Linda said she repeatedly requested a refund of her money and warned that she would take the matter to social media if it remained unresolved.
Following that threat, she alleged that the consultant refunded ₦2 million and promised to refund the outstanding balance later.
However, according to her, the remaining ₦2 million has yet to be refunded despite several reminders and demands.
Beyond her personal experience, Mrs. Linda expressed concern that many other unsuspecting Nigerians could still be falling victim to the same alleged scheme.
She claimed that the consultant continues to advertise overseas employment opportunities through various WhatsApp groups operating in different parts of the country, particularly promoting caregiver and hospitality jobs in countries such as Canada and Qatar.
Copies of some of the promotional messages made available to journalists showed advertisements inviting Nigerians interested in Canadian work visas to apply for positions allegedly costing ₦9.5 million, with claims that employers would provide flight tickets and accommodation.
Another message advertised female-only housekeeping and hospitality jobs in Qatar, with applicants allegedly required to pay ₦5.5 million for processing, while promising accommodation, flight tickets and opportunities for career advancement.
One of the promotional messages also announced that recruitment slots for Canada had been filled after only a few applicants were accepted, a strategy observers say often creates urgency and pressure for prospective applicants to make quick payments.
Mrs. Linda further alleged that when she visited the area where the consultant reportedly operates, located at No. 25 Emeyari Street, behind Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, some residents allegedly made unfavourable comments regarding the suspect’s activities and lifestyle.
She also made allegations concerning the suspect’s husband, a pastor, claiming that some people had linked him to proceeds allegedly generated from the business. However, no independent evidence has been presented to substantiate those claims, and they remain allegations.
While calling for urgent intervention, Mrs. Linda appealed to relevant law enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities to investigate the matter, recover victims’ funds where possible and prosecute anyone found culpable.
She urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution before paying money to individuals or organisations promising overseas employment, advising prospective applicants to verify the authenticity of travel consultants, recruitment agencies and visa processing companies through appropriate government regulatory bodies before making any financial commitment.
When contacted by this reporter Izunna Okafor, the accused, Vodina West, said she had pleaded with the victim to be patient with her, that she would refund her money back with time. She, however, said if she still insisted that she would drag her in the media despite her persuasion, she should go on and do so.
