The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Remilekun Temitope Balogun-Okedeyi for forging documents of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to facilitate a fraudulent United Kingdom visa application.
According to the Commission, the defendant falsely presented herself as a NAFDAC employee, submitting forged employment and promotion letters, an identity card, and an introduction letter purportedly issued by the agency.
The case stemmed from a petition by the British Deputy High Commission, which exposed a visa racketeering network allegedly led by Olusegun Ojo Adigun.
ICPC investigations linked the syndicate to at least 16 visa applications, all allegedly supported with falsified documents to secure travel to the United Kingdom.
An ICPC spokesperson said, “The defendant deliberately misrepresented her employment status and relied on forged official documents to mislead authorities in a bid to obtain a visa.”
Further findings established that Balogun-Okedeyi was never employed by NAFDAC, rendering all documents attributed to the agency false. She was also found to have submitted a forged bank statement purportedly issued by Chanelle Microfinance Bank, despite not maintaining an account with the institution.
“This case highlights a growing pattern of impersonation of government institutions for fraudulent purposes, which the Commission is determined to decisively confront,” the spokesperson added.
The defendant was initially arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on forgery and provision of false information under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. However, the charges were reduced to one count following a plea bargain, to which she pleaded guilty.
The matter was heard before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos, who sentenced her to one year imprisonment, with an option of a ₦500,000 fine payable within seven days.
In addition, the court ordered two days of community service and directed that the defendant be placed on a bond of good behaviour to be recorded in the Lagos State Judiciary database.
Reacting to the judgment, the ICPC said, “The conviction underscores our unwavering commitment to tackling document falsification and protecting the integrity of public institutions.”