ICPC dismantles Lagos ‘visa mill’ syndicate, secures conviction of govt official

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has dismantled a Visa mill Syndicate successful Lagos State, conscionable arsenic it secured the condemnation of 1 Michael Kuyoro, a unit subordinate of Ikeja Local Government, for his engagement successful a visa fraud strategy involving forgery, conspiracy, and maltreatment of office.

The condemnation was delivered connected March 12, 2026, by Honourable Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Ikeja High Court, Criminal Division, Lagos.

The lawsuit originated from a petition submitted by the Italian High Commission, which raised concerns implicit 22 Nigerian visa applicants who presented forged letters of invitation and introduction.

Investigations by the ICPC revealed that the Ikeja Local Government official, Mr. Kuyoro abused his authoritative presumption to make falsified documents connected Ikeja Local Government letterhead.

The documents falsely identified the applicants arsenic unit oregon affiliates of the section government.

Further findings established that Mr. Kuyoro received the sum of N50,000 from an accomplice, 1 Samuel Orebela (currently astatine large), to facilitate the fraudulent scheme.

Kuyoro was initially arraigned connected a four-count complaint but aboriginal entered into a plea bargain agreement. Consequently, the complaint was amended to a two-count complaint bordering connected conspiracy and giving mendacious statements, contrary...