News
Victims Of Alleged Visa Fraud Petition FG, Seek Dubai-based Suspect’s Arrest, Refunds
Published
6 months agoon
By
Editor
A law firm, Mbakwe & Co (Graceville Chambers) has petitioned the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) over alleged visa fraud perpetrated by a Dubai-based Nigerian, one Mrs Victoria Onu Uyigianshi.
In the petition dated March 11th, 2025, the suspect was accused of failing to deliver Canada Work visas to Messrs Paschal Odoemena, Emmanuel Opara, Henry Ugwu, and Chinedu Onuiri, after receiving the sum of two million eight hundred thousand Naira (being part payment of N700, 000 each from the victims).
According to the law firm, the amount was paid into Uyigianshi’s Company Account (JEVON GLOBAL CONSULT LTD), with accompanying acknowledgement of receipt.
The law firm, however, regretted that since February 2023 when the transaction was done, the “suspect” has not only failed to honour her promise of procuring the respective work visas, but also refused to return the victims’ international passports.
The petition, which was addressed to the Chairperson of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, read: “We have been briefed and our services retained by Mr. Paschal Odoemena, Emmanuel Opara, Henry Ugwu, and Chinedu Onuiri. We shall hereinafter refer to them as “our clients” and on their firm instruction we write to you in this matter relating to criminal Breach of Trust, Conspiracy, Cheating, and fraud orchestrated by one Mrs. Victoria Onu Uyigianshi, who is currently residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with WhatsApp number 08162909995.
READ ALSO: Visa Rejection Rates Hits High In Canada As 2.36 Million Applications Denied
“It is our instruction that sometime in the month of February 2023, one Ishaya Bawa introduced one of our clients (Mr. Paschal Odoemena) to Mrs. Victoria Onu Uyigianshi so that she may procure/obtain Canadian work visas for Mr. Paschal and the rest of our clients, i.e., Emmanuel Opara, Henry Ugwu, and Chinedu Onuiri, having described her as an expert in that field.
“It is our further instruction that pursuant to that introduction and she holding out herself as one proficient in that area, our client out of sincere trust and belief in her ability to secure the visas paid to her the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (#700,000.00) each, totaling Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira Only (#2,800,000.00).
“Furthermore, she instructed our clients to deposit their international passports with one Mr. Bawa (an alleged partner in crime), who duly acknowledged receipt of same. The receipts of the bank transfers made by our clients are here attached and marked as Annexure A1 – 4, while the contract agreement acknowledging receipts of the paid sum between Jevon Global Consults Ltd and our clients are hereby attached and marked as Annexure B1- 4.
“Please note that she informed our clients that the balance of (N700,000.00) Seven Hundred Thousand Naira each will be paid immediately the visas are procured, which our clients wholeheartedly agreed to.
“Ever since the sum of money was paid and the passport deposited, likewise the visa application forms which were sent on her instruction through her other partner in the person of Yusuf Mohammed, a staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs FCT – Abuja, for our clients to fill, it has been one story to another with no visa interview scheduled, not to talk of receiving an approved visa.
READ ALSO: Nigeria To Roll Out Electronic Visas To Curtail Corruption In Immigration Service
“Several times, our clients have been summoned to come to Abuja at very short notice from their different locations in the East for an alleged visa interview, which has always turned out to be a hoax. This has added to the pain and anguish of our clients as in most cases they have to borrow money to make those trips, which have always turned out to be futile.”
It continued: “Ma, a calm review of the facts would reveal that these persons conspired amongst themselves with an intent to defraud our clients, because all efforts made by our clients to recover their hard-earned funds, when it became clear that this may be a fraudulent transaction, all proved abortive.
“It is on this basis that, in accordance with our brief, we make this petition urging you, most humbly, to intervene in this case and cause a detailed investigation to be begun in this matter. We acknowledge your zero-tolerance for acts of criminality amongst Nigerians in the diaspora, and we are hopeful that such an investigation will discourage others from obviously defrauding people and escaping abroad.
“Our clients put their trust in the famed efficiency of your office. Thank you and be always assured of our warm professional regards.”
In an earlier reply to a letter forwarded to her, Uyigianshi had responded through her lawyer – Endurance O. Adeoaun, of Prudent Legal Consults.
The reply read: “We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated the 8th of February, 2025 regarding the concerns raised by your clients.
READ ALSO: FG To scrap Visa-on-arrival Policy By April
“While we understand their frustration due to delays in securing their work visas, it is important to clarify that the scheduling and rescheduling of biometric appointments rest solely with the issuing authorities, a factor entirely beyond our clients’ control.
“Our clients remain fully committed to fulfilling their obligations in good faith and continue to work diligently to ensure the successful completion of the process. However, should your clients be unwilling to await the conclusion of the process, our clients, while not conceding any wrongdoing, are open to discussing a reasonable and convenient timeline for a refund.
“That said, we take strong exception to the use of terms such as “breach of trust,” “cheating,” “visa fraud,” and “conspiracy” in reference to our clients.
“These allegations are not only baseless but also unjustified in what is strictly a business transaction. We urge your clients to exercise caution in their choice of language as unwarranted defamatory accusations have legal consequences.
“We remain open to resolving this matter amicably and in a manner that upholds fairness for all parties involved.
“Kindly advise how your clients wish to proceed.”
You may like
UK Bars Over 100 Job Roles From Foreign Recruitment To Curb Migration
US Defends New Social Media Vetting For Nigerian Visa Applicants
Relief For Applicants As Germany Eases Visa Process, Opens Visa Centres In Nigeria, Others
Immigration Issues Travel Advisory To Nigerians On US Visas
Fashion Designers, IT Specialists: UK Opens Door To Foreign Talents With New Visa Rules
US Threatens Visa Overstayers With Lifetime Ban
News
‘My Wife Keeps Late Nights, Returns Home Drunk, Denies Me Sex Since She Joined OPC’
Published
5 hours agoon
September 13, 2025By
Editor
Grade A Customary Court 2 sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the 13-year-old wedlock between a couple, Adisa and Falilat, on the grounds of no love, irresponsibility, drunkenness and keeping of late nights by the latter.
Adisa stated that Falilat became wild and uncontrollable after she joined the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).
Adisa explained that Falilat hardly slept at home and on the few occasions she did, she always denied him s3x.
According to the plaintiff, the last time he and the defendant had s3x was almost two years ago.
He added that their children always looked haggard and unkempt because she seldom cooks for them nor gave attention to their appearance.
READ ALSO:My Husband Impregnated My sister —Wife
Adisa said he could no longer stomach Falilat’s excesses and therefore prayed that their union be dissolved.
Falilat refused to come to court in spite of being served court summonses.
Adisa in his evidence said, My wife and I got married 13 years ago although I did not pay her bride price.
“The once intimate and steady relationship between my wife and I has turned sour and degenerated because of her rebellious nature.
“She has made life unbearable for me ever since she joined the OPC. Falilat is now wild and uncontrollable.
READ ALSO:My Husband Comes Home With Used Condoms — Wife
“She refuses to take instructions from me and dares that I do my worst any time we have a misunderstanding.
“My wife has completely abandoned her duties at home.
“She neither cooks for our children nor ensures that they appear neat. They look haggard and unkempt all the time.
“Falilat hardly sleeps at home. On the few occasions she did, she would return home in the middle of the night drunk and disturbing the neighbourhood.
“She has turned me into a source of ridicule in our compound and neighbourhood.
READ ALSO:My Husband Threw Stones At My Mother, Bit Me When We Fought — Wife
“Falilat denies me my conjugal right. The last time we had sex was almost two years ago.
“My lord, I am better off without a wife than have Falilat under my roof.
“I pray the court to stop our relationship so that I can have peace of mind.”
The court president, Mrs O.E Qwoseni, while giving her judgment stated that there was no marriage to be dissolved because no customary marriage was carried out and the bride price was not paid.
Owoseni added that the defendant was given ample opportunity to defend herself but that she failed to make use of the opportunity.
According to her, the evidence of the plaintiff was deemed admitted.
Ruling, Owoseni dissolved their union.
News
Tears As MKO Abiola’s Wife Doyinsola Laid To Rest In Lagos
Published
19 hours agoon
September 12, 2025By
Editor
Dr Doyinsola Abiola, pioneering journalist and widow of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was laid to rest on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, following a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
Her burial concluded a week of tributes that began on Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, colleagues, and associates celebrated her groundbreaking contributions to journalism and her service to Nigeria.
The funeral service, officiated by Ven. Henry Adelegan, Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, featured scriptural readings by family and close associates. Psalm 91 was read by Midun Tobun, while the Epistle from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 was delivered by Suru Aboaba.
In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, reflected on Abiola’s legacy under the theme of restoration and hope. He hailed her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” noting her trailblazing achievements as Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to lead a national newspaper as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord.
READ ALSO:From ‘Tiro’ to Concord: Inside Doyin Abiola’s Fearless Media Journey
“She stood resolutely with her husband during Nigeria’s democratic struggle, using Concord Newspapers as a powerful voice in the battle for freedom. Her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired and mentored,” Bishop Johnson said.
He also used the occasion to urge the government to confront Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, while easing the burden on citizens.
The service drew a distinguished audience, including President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti; former presidential aide Femi Adesina; Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola; Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine; Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times; and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
READ ALSO:OPINION: Onitiri-Abiola And The Madness In Ibadan
Following the service, her body was conveyed to her final resting place in Lekki, where she was laid to rest amid prayers, hymns, and heartfelt tributes.
Dr Doyinsola Abiola, who died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a defender of democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and enduring influence left an indelible mark on the nation.
News
Air Peace Reacts To NSIB’s Report On Drug, Alcohol
Published
21 hours agoon
September 12, 2025By
Editor
The management of Air Peace has reacted to media reports based on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, regarding an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
The airline’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by its management and shared on its official X account on Friday.
Air Peace, which operates domestic and regional routes, has in recent years positioned itself as Nigeria’s flagship private carrier, with a reputation for relatively strong operational standards in an industry often plagued by safety concerns.
The airline is also IOSA-certified, a global safety benchmark by the International Air Transport Association.
The PUNCH reports that the NSIB on Friday indicted an Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol.
The accident investigators tested the crew positive for the substances after the aircraft they flew was involved in a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Air Peace Crew Tested Positive For Alcohol, Drug — NSIB Report
This was contained in a preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.
However, reacting to the report, on Friday, the airline’s statement partly read: “Our attention has been drawn to media stories on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) currently circulating online and in the media regarding the incident involving one of our aircraft at Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025.
“We are yet to receive any official communications from the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place in less than an hour of the incident.”
The carrier emphasised that it places the highest priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, describing the report as misleading.
“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, and it is important to set the record straight,” the statement said.
The airline further explained its internal policies on crew discipline, stating, “Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!”
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tension As Air Peace Flight Veers Off Runway In Port Harcourt
Providing details of actions taken after the Port Harcourt incident, Air Peace revealed that the captain of the affected flight was grounded.
“The captain of the affected flight was grounded and relieved from further flight duty till date for failure to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and for disregarding standard go-around procedures as advised by his co-pilot but not for testing positive to the breathalyser test, as the result was not communicated to us by NSIB to date”, the airline’s statement added.
However, the airline defended the co-pilot, saying he acted professionally during the incident. “Contrary to reports in the media, the First Officer (Co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“The NCAA cleared him. If he was involved in drug or alcohol use, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would not have cleared him to resume flight duties”, it stated.
The airline added that if the relieved captain’s test result later proves positive, then it would “increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew.”
READ ALSO:Proposed Tesla Pay Package Could Make Musk World’s First Trillionaire
Air Peace also stressed the importance of retraining and stricter monitoring going forward.
“Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training cannot be overemphasised. We will intensify strict Fitness-for-Duty checks and Stronger Internal Monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy”, the statement continued.
Reassuring passengers and the Nigerian public, the airline added: “Air Peace has consistently maintained a strong safety record and strictly implements global best practices in all aspects of its operations, and we reassure our esteemed passengers and the Nigerian public that safety will never be compromised in Air Peace.”
The July 13, 2025, incident at Port Harcourt International Airport reportedly involved a go-around manoeuvre initiated by the co-pilot after the captain allegedly failed to adhere to standard landing procedures.
Media reports suggested that alcohol consumption may have been a factor, citing a breathalyser test.
- My Ex-wife Refused To Pack Out Of My House After Our Marriage Was Dissolved, Man Tells Court
- ‘My Wife Keeps Late Nights, Returns Home Drunk, Denies Me Sex Since She Joined OPC’
- My Husband Impregnated My sister —Wife
- Why I Cooked 200 Bags Of Rice Instead If 250 — Hilda Baci
- Tinubu’s Mandate Accomplished In Rivers — Ibas
- Why I’m No Longer Stable On Social Media – Davido
- Dangote Refinery Reduces Fuel Price Nationwide, Provides Update On Petrol Distribution
- Job Seekers Protest Alleged Fake Employment Letters For Ondo Teaching Jobs
- Veteran Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu Reacts To Death Rumours
- ‘I Dey Look For Life For My Son’ – Charly Boy Lists Qualifications For Applicants
Trending
- News5 days ago
Five Years After, Edo Govt Reconnects To BEDC As Ossiomo Shut Down
- Metro3 days ago
Police Vows To Arrest Killers of NSCDC Officers In Edo
- News4 days ago
FULL LIST: FG Releases Approved Subjects For Basic, Senior Secondary Education
- News5 days ago
NSCDC Vows To Bring Killers Of Edo personnel To Justice
- News4 days ago
OPINION: When The Dead Can’t Rest In Peace
- News5 days ago
JUST IN: FG, NUPENG Begin Meeting Over Strike Threat
- Sports5 days ago
2026 World Cup: All You Need To Know About South Africa Vs Nigeria Match
- News5 days ago
Oba Of Benin Declares Two-week Fasting, Prayer For Edo
- Metro5 days ago
Lifeless Body Found Inside Car at N’Assembly Complex
- Politics3 days ago
Warri Delineation: Ijaw, Urhobo Boycott CVR, Demand S’Court Judgment Implementation