Hon Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, has sentenced a Lagos-based woman, Mrs Remilekun Temitope Balogun-Okedeyi, to one year’s imprisonment for impersonating an official of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in a fraudulent visa scheme.
The judgment, delivered on April 14, 2026, followed a successful prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The case, which underscores growing concern over identity fraud in international travel processes, was triggered by a petition from the British Deputy High Commission (BDHC).
Investigations revealed that the convict falsely claimed to be affiliated with NAFDAC to boost her credibility in a visa racketeering network.
In court, the ICPC prosecution team, led by Yvonne William-Mbata, presented evidence showing that the defendant knowingly misrepresented her identity and benefited from the fraudulent operation.
Faced with the amended charge, Balogun-Okedeyi pleaded guilty, a move that expedited the trial process.
A prosecution witness, Mr Onyema, detailed how the scheme operated and how the false representation played a key role in deceiving authorities.
The defence counsel, Mrs Grace Adenubi of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, represented the defendant during the proceedings.
Justice Dada, in her ruling, sentenced the defendant to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of N500,000, and community service within the court premises.
The court also ordered her to sign a bond to maintain good behaviour.
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