Visa fraud: UK-based Nigerian battles travel agent over forged marriage, identity theft
Trial of Nigerian Travel Agent for Fraud Continues in Abuja
ABUJA—Emmanuel Opeyemi Makinde, a Nigerian resident in the United Kingdom, has completed his cross-examination in the ongoing criminal trial of travel agent Waliu Aderibigbe Shitta and his company, Fanzine Educational Consult. The proceedings took place before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi on Monday.
Shitta is facing charges related to accusations of using Makinde’s personal information to orchestrate a fraudulent marriage to Miss Dolapo Afusat Yusuf. This alleged scheme aimed to facilitate Yusuf’s travel to the United Kingdom without Makinde’s consent or prior knowledge.
During cross-examination conducted by defense attorney M. D. Owolabi, Makinde affirmed under oath that he had no association with Yusuf, neither meeting nor marrying her. He further asserted that he had specifically instructed Shitta not to include any dependents in his visa application. Makinde claimed that the unauthorized inclusion of Yusuf led to the cancellation of his UK visa on October 11, 2024. As a result, he reported the incident to several authorities, including the UK Metropolitan Police, Action Fraud, UK Border Force, and the Nigerian Police Force.
The amended charges against Shitta and Yusuf include:
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Count One: Conspiracy to commit felony by providing false information to a public servant, under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Act.
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Count Two: Providing false information to the British Embassy regarding Makinde’s marital status, which subsequently endangered his immigration status and is punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Act.
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Count Three: Breach of trust by submitting false documents that falsely represented Makinde as lawfully married to Yusuf, in violation of Sections 311 and 315 of the Penal Code.
With the completion of Makinde’s cross-examination, the prosecution has rested its case. Justice Oyeyipo has scheduled the next hearing for January 20, 2027, at which point the defense will initiate its case.
