A UK-based Nigerian woman, Emem Effiong Ekpo, from Akwa Ibom State, has been accused of defrauding hopeful migrants of over £100,000 through an alleged Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) visa scam.
Multiple victims claim that Ekpo exploited their aspirations for a better life by collecting large sums under the pretext of securing UK work visas, only to become evasive after payments were made.
Investigations report obtained by newsmen revealed that the scam followed a familiar pattern: victims were convinced of Ekpo’s credibility after she presented her UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and passport.
She reportedly assured applicants that their payments would cover training certificates and COS documents required for skilled worker visas. One of the victims, identified as “Mary Udoka” (not her real name), said she and two others paid Ekpo a total of £4,000 on 18 September 2024.
“Our visa was about to expire, and I was desperate to find a solution,” she said. Evidence provided by the victims includes WhatsApp conversations and bank transfer receipts.
However, after receiving the payments, Ekpo allegedly became increasingly evasive, offering excuses instead of tangible results.
“One day she will tell me she’s on her way to the bank, the next time she says payment will drop tonight. There is always a new lie or scheme,” one victim said.
Following growing complaints, Ekpo reportedly refunded a portion of the money in Nigerian Naira instead of Pounds Sterling earlier this year. However, victims say she has failed to refund the full amount.
The situation escalated when a campaign group fighting COS fraud published a video on 27 March 2025, accusing Ekpo of defrauding victims of over £100,000.
The post, shared by @NassFerrari on social media, featured a TikTok live video with protesters chanting: “Emem Effiong Ekpo, 26-year-old COS scammer, has scammed over £100,000.” When contacted for comment, Ekpo admitted collecting money from the victims but claimed she was merely a “middleman” and a victim herself.
Despite promising to reveal the identities of her alleged associates and provide supporting evidence, she has so far failed to do so.
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