The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has smashed a Lagos-based visa fraud syndicate and secured the conviction of Michael Kuyoro, a staff member of Ikeja Local Government, for his role in a scheme involving forgery, conspiracy, and abuse of office.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle, the ICPC said the conviction was handed down on March 12, 2026, by Honourable Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Ikeja High Court (Criminal Division).
The case began with a petition from the Italian High Commission, which flagged 22 Nigerian visa applicants who submitted forged letters of invitation and introduction. Investigations revealed that Kuyoro exploited his position to issue falsified documents on official Ikeja Local Government letterhead, falsely presenting applicants as staff or affiliates of the council.
Further findings showed that Kuyoro received ₦50,000 from accomplice Samuel Orebela (currently at large) to facilitate the scam.
Initially arraigned on four counts, Kuyoro later entered a plea bargain, leading to a two-count charge of conspiracy and making false statements under Sections 25 and 26 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Upon pleading guilty, the ICPC prosecution team led by Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata, Mrs. Roseline N. Eze, and Mrs. Oluwayemisi E. Pereira presented the case that secured his conviction.
Justice Okunuga sentenced Kuyoro to:
Two years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently
Option of fines: ₦10,000 (Count One) and ₦100,000 (Count Two)
Three months community service, six hours daily under Nigerian Correctional Service supervision
₦1 million bond for good behaviour, forfeitable upon breach
Permanent blacklisting, with his biometrics entered in the ICPC Criminal Offenders Database, barring future public service
In delivering judgment, the Court warned that existing penalties under the law are “outdated and insufficient,” urging urgent legislative review to strengthen deterrence against corruption.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption in all forms, particularly abuse of public office, while calling on the public to report suspicious activities through its official channels.
