ICPC Busts Lagos Visa Fraud Syndicate, Secures Conviction of LG Official

ICPC Busts Lagos Visa Fraud Syndicate, Secures Conviction of LG Official

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismantled a visa fraud syndicate operating in Lagos State and secured the conviction of a local government official involved in the scheme.

In a statement signed on Thursday by its spokesperson, Okor Odey, the commission said Michael Kuyoro, a staff member of Ikeja Local Government, was found guilty of conspiracy, forgery, and abuse of office in connection with the scam.

The conviction was delivered on March 12, 2026, by Honourable Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Ikeja High Court (Criminal Division).

According to the ICPC, the case began after the Italian High Commission raised concerns over 22 visa applicants who submitted forged letters of introduction and invitation.

Investigations revealed that Kuyoro used his official position to produce falsified documents on Ikeja Local Government letterhead, falsely identifying the applicants as staff or affiliates of the council.

Further findings showed that Kuyoro received ₦50,000 from an accomplice, Samuel Orebela, who remains at large, to facilitate the fraudulent scheme.

The official was initially arraigned on four counts but later entered into a plea bargain agreement. The charges were amended to two counts of conspiracy and giving false statements under Sections 25 and 26 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Following his plea of guilty, the ICPC prosecution team, including Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata, Mrs. Roseline N. Eze, and Mrs. Oluwayemisi E. Pereira, presented evidence that led to his conviction.

In his judgment, Justice Okunuga sentenced Kuyoro to two years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, with the option of fines of ₦10,000 and ₦100,000 for each respective count.

He was also ordered to perform three months of community service, six hours daily under the supervision of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and placed on a ₦1 million bond for good behaviour.

His biometrics were permanently enrolled in the ICPC Criminal Offenders Database, effectively barring him from future public service.

The court also observed that penalties under the current law are “outdated and insufficient” and called for urgent legislative review to enhance deterrence against modern corruption.

Reacting to the conviction, Okor Odey said, “This conviction underscores our commitment to tackling corruption in all its forms, particularly the abuse of public office for personal gain. Public servants must uphold integrity and avoid actions that undermine public trust.”

The ICPC further urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities through its official channels to help prevent future cases of fraud and corruption.

The successful dismantling of this Lagos visa syndicate marks a significant victory for the ICPC in curbing fraudulent schemes that exploit public offices for personal enrichment.