Nigerian professional gets 5-year travel ban from America after using travel agent to process his visa
A Nigerian professional has been hit with a five-year international travel ban by the American Embassy after he hired a travel agent to assist him in processing a work visa.
The travel agent, identified as Alexander Chukwu, allegedly collected over N3 million from the victim to process the work visa that landed him in trouble.
According to the affected applicant, the problem began after he was introduced to the agent, identified as Chukwu, by a former manager at his previous workplace.
The former manager reportedly assured him that Chukwu was experienced and trustworthy in handling overseas work visa applications.
The victim said his confidence in the process grew after Chukwu collected his personal documents, presented what appeared to be a genuine job offer, and successfully scheduled a biometric appointment.
Over time, the applicant reportedly paid a total of ₦3.18 million, which he was told covered visa fees and other processing costs.
However, about three months later, immigration authorities rejected the visa application and imposed a five-year travel restriction, citing the submission of falsified documents.
The victim said this was the first time he became aware that fraudulent materials had allegedly been used, insisting he neither approved nor had any knowledge of such actions.
Following the visa denial, the applicant said repeated attempts to reach Chukwu were unsuccessful, as the agent allegedly cut off all communication and went into hiding.
The case appears to be part of a much larger alleged fraud. Another intermediary, identified as Ibelegbu Lovetti A., who reportedly introduced work opportunities to Chukwu, believing he was legitimate, is also said to have suffered major losses.
The victim claimed Lovetti entrusted Chukwu with jobs valued at more than ₦67 million, none of which materialised.
In addition, clients linked to transactions worth an estimated ₦30 million were allegedly never taken to any embassy for visa processing.
Further claims by affected individuals suggest that more than 30 people may have fallen victim to the scheme, with total losses approaching ₦100 million.
Chukwu is also accused of operating from a temporary office within the Air Force Base in Ikeja and allegedly using his wife’s purported employment there.
The suspect also allegedly used an Air Force base to portray an image of having military connections and give assurance to victims that he was genuine and trustworthy.
The victim said the incident has left him emotionally distressed, noting that the travel ban could severely affect his career and future opportunities.
He added that while the financial loss is painful, the reputational damage and travel restrictions are even more devastating.
The victim promised to use legal and administrative options to clear his name.
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