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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has arrested and dismantled a visa factory syndicate in Lagos State, even as it secured the conviction of one Michael Kuyoro, a staff member of Ikeja Local Government, for his involvement in a visa fraud scheme involving forgery, conspiracy and abuse of office.
ICPC Spokesperson, John Odey, in a press release, on Thursday in Abuja, said the sentence was delivered on March 12, 2026, by the Honorable Justice OA Okunuga of the Ikeja High Court (Criminal Division), Lagos.
He explained that the case originated from a petition filed by the Italian High Commission, which raised concerns about 22 Nigerian visa applicants who submitted forged letters of invitation and introduction.
ICPC investigations revealed that Ikeja Local Government Official, Mr Kuyoro, abused his official position to generate falsified documents on Ikeja Local Government letterhead.
The documents falsely identified the applicants as local government employees or affiliates.
Further findings established that Mr Kuyoro received the sum of ₦50,000 from an accomplice, one Samuel Orebela (currently at large), to facilitate the fraudulent scheme.
Kuyoro was initially arraigned on four counts, but later entered into a plea deal.
As a result, the charge was amended to a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and making false statements, contrary to sections 25 and 26 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000.
Following his guilty plea, the ICPC prosecution team, comprising Ms. Yvonne William-Mbata, Ms. Roseline N. Eze and Ms. Oluwayemisi E. Pereira, presented the facts of the case, which led to his conviction.
In his ruling, Justice Okunuga sentenced the accused as follows: “Two years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently; an option of fine of ₦10,000 for the first case and ₦100,000 for the second case;”
Three months of community service, involving six hours of daily work under the supervision of the Nigerian Correctional Service; ₦1 million good conduct bonds, subject to forfeiture in case of violation; Permanent blacklisting by entering his biometric data into the ICPC criminal database, effectively excluding him from future public service.
He said the Court, while delivering the judgment, observed that existing penalties under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000 are no longer commensurate with the reality of modern corruption.
Judge Okunuga described the penalties as “outdated and insufficient”, stressing that the prescribed fines do not adequately reflect the seriousness of such offences.
The Court therefore called for an urgent legislative review of the law to strengthen its deterrent effect.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to combating corruption in all its forms, in particular the abuse of public office for personal gain. Public servants are reminded to maintain integrity and avoid actions that undermine public trust.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report suspicious activity to the ICPC through its established channels.
