By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully dismantled a visa fraud syndicate in Lagos State and secured the conviction of a local government staff member involved in the scheme.
Michael Kuyoro, an official of Ikeja Local Government, was found guilty of conspiracy and issuing false statements in a visa fraud case. The conviction was delivered on March 12, 2026, by Honourable Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Ikeja High Court (Criminal Division), Lagos, following a petition from the Italian High Commission concerning 22 visa applicants who presented forged letters of invitation and introduction.
Investigations revealed that Kuyoro abused his position to produce falsified documents on official Ikeja Local Government letterhead, falsely presenting applicants as staff or affiliates. He also received ₦50,000 from an accomplice, Samuel Orebela, who remains at large, to facilitate the fraud.
Initially facing a four-count charge, Kuyoro entered a plea bargain that reduced the charges to two counts. Upon pleading guilty, the ICPC prosecution team led by Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata, Mrs. Roseline N. Eze, and Mrs. Oluwayemisi E. Pereira presented the facts that led to his conviction.
Justice Okunuga sentenced Kuyoro to two years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, with an option of fines of ₦10,000 and ₦100,000. He was also ordered to complete three months of community service and placed on a ₦1 million good behaviour bond. Additionally, Kuyoro’s biometrics will be enrolled in the ICPC Criminal Offenders Database, permanently barring him from public service.
The Court criticized existing penalties under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as “outdated and insufficient” and called for urgent legislative review to strengthen deterrence against modern corruption.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption and urged public servants to maintain integrity while encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities through the Commission’s established channels.
