Nigerian arraigned for alleged UK visa fraud, marriage scam

The Inspector-General of Police brought the case against Aderibigbe and the firm on a two-count charge. The accused, who appeared before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo, pleaded not guilty.

According to court documents, Aderibigbe is accused of falsely claiming that Emmanuel Makinde Opeyemi was married to one Dolapo Afussat Yusuf, a claim made to support a visa application to the UK.

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The police allege the fraudulent claim threatened Opeyemi’s immigration status and could have led to his deportation from the United Kingdom.

The charges allege the incident occurred in January 2022, and the offence is punishable under sections 97(1) and 140 of the Penal Code Act.

The charge sheet reads in part: "You, Shitta Waliu Aderibigbe, Fanzine Educational Consult, and Dolapo Afussat Yusuf (at large) did give false information to the British Embassy... an act you knew to be unlawful."

Justice Oyeyipo granted Aderibigbe bail in the sum of ₦1 million, with two sureties required. The sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 9 and residents of the FCT. They are also to deposit passport photographs with the court.

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The judge adjourned the case until June 11 for further hearing. Meanwhile, Miss Yusuf, a co-accused in the case, remains at large.

If convicted, Aderibigbe faces potential penalties under the Penal Code for conspiracy and providing false information to public officials.