Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Dr. Nekabari Dambere Nathan, a Port Harcourt-based medical doctor, for alleged involvement in a visa fraud scam worth ₦39,157,000.
The arraignment took place on Thursday before Justice P. I. Ajoku at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Nathan, alongside his training institution, Global Horizons Academy Ltd, was docked on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
EFCC’s Allegations
According to an EFCC statement, Nathan was arrested following a February 2023 petition filed by Riskout Consults, a company representing students defrauded under the guise of securing overseas opportunities.
The petition alleged that Nathan posed as a care-giving trainer and travel agent, promising visa procurement and job placements in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. He also claimed he could enroll applicants in IELTS exams.
Victims were convinced to pay a total of ₦39,157,000 for these services. However, no visa or job was secured, and Nathan allegedly became unreachable, leaving the victims stranded.
The charge presented in court reads in part:
“That you, Dr. Nekabari Dambere Nathan and Global Horizons Academy Ltd between 8th April to 12th December 2023, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N39,157,000 from Riskout Consults for visa processing under false pretence…”
Dr. Nathan pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecuting counsel A. Abubakar requested the court to remand the defendant and set a date for trial. Meanwhile, defence counsel Friday Otanjah requested bail on medical grounds.
Justice Ajoku adjourned the matter to June 25, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application, and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.
The trial has been scheduled to begin on November 27, 2025.
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