The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Remilekun Balogun-Okedeyi for forging documents of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to support a fraudulent visa application.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement published on its official website, detailing the outcome of investigations into a visa fraud scheme in which the defendant falsely presented herself as a NAFDAC employee using forged records.
According to the ICPC, Balogun-Okedeyi used falsified employment and promotion letters, an identity card, and an introduction letter purportedly issued by NAFDAC to misrepresent her employment status.
The case originated from a petition by the British Deputy High Commission, which uncovered a visa racketeering syndicate allegedly led by Olusegun Ojo Adigun.
Investigations by the Commission confirmed that the defendant was never employed by NAFDAC, rendering all documents she submitted false and misleading. The ICPC further revealed that the syndicate was linked to at least sixteen visa applications and specialised in facilitating travel to the United Kingdom using forged supporting documents.
In addition to the fake employment records, the defendant also submitted a falsified bank statement allegedly issued by Chanelle Microfinance Bank covering January to July 2025, despite not operating an account with the institution.
She was subsequently charged with a six-count charge bordering on forgery and providing false information in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The case was heard before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, where the defendant entered a plea bargain through her counsel. The charges were amended to a one-count offence, to which she pleaded guilty.
Following the presentation of evidence by the prosecution, including documentary exhibits, the court convicted and sentenced her to one year imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine payable within seven days.
Justice Dada also ordered the defendant to undertake two days of community service and to enter into a bond of good behaviour, which will be recorded in the Lagos State Judiciary database.
The conviction comes amid growing concerns over visa fraud, as Nigerian authorities and international partners intensify efforts to curb organised immigration-related crimes through stricter enforcement and enhanced collaboration.
