...as Court seeks Review of Anti-corruption Law to strengthen Deterrent Effect
…Court bars Convinct from Future Public Service
By Olawale Lamina
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ,ICPC, says it has busted and dismantled a Visa Mill Syndicate in Lagos State, just as it succeeded in securing the conviction of one Michael Kuyoro, a staff member of Ikeja Local Government, for his involvement in a visa fraud, including forgery, conspiracy, and abuse of office.
According to a statement signed by the ICPC’s Head, Media and Public Communication, John Odey, the conviction was delivered on March 12, 2026, by Honourable Justice O.A. Okunuga of the Ikeja High Court (Criminal Division), Lagos.
The Commission informed that fraud case originated from a petition submitted by the Italian High Commission, which raised concerns over 22 Nigerian visa applicants who presented forged letters of invitation and introduction.
“Investigations by the ICPC revealed that the Ikeja Local Government official, Mr. Kuyoro abused his official position to generate falsified documents on Ikeja Local Government letterhead.
“The documents falsely identified the applicants as staff or affiliates of the local government.
“Further findings established that Mr. Kuyoro received the sum of ₦50,000 from an accomplice, one Samuel Orebela (currently at large), to facilitate the fraudulent scheme'” the statement explained.
The anti-graft body stated that Kuyoro was initially arraigned on a four-count charge but later entered into a plea bargain agreement. Consequently, the charge was amended to a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and giving false statements, contrary to Sections 25 and 26 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
And, following his plea of “guilty,” the ICPC’s prosecution team, comprising Mrs Yvonne William-Mbata, Mrs. Roseline N. Eze, and Mrs. Oluwayemisi E. Pereira presented the facts of the case, which led to his conviction.
Handing down his judgment, Justice Okunuga sentenced the defendant as follows:
Two years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently;
An option of fine of ₦10,000 for Count One and ₦100,000 for Count Two;
Three months of community service, involving six hours of daily labour under the supervision of the Nigerian Correctional Service;
A ₦1 million bond to be of good behaviour, subject to forfeiture upon breach; Permanent blacklisting through enrolment of his biometrics in the ICPC Criminal Offenders Database, effectively barring him from future public service.
The Court, while delivering judgment, observed that existing penalties under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, are no longer commensurate with the realities of modern corruption.
Justice Okunuga described the sanctions as “outdated and insufficient,” noting that the prescribed fines do not adequately reflect the gravity of such offences.
The Court consequently called for an urgent legislative review of the law to strengthen its deterrent effect.
The statement by the ICPC also reiterates its commitment to tackling corruption in all forms, particularly the abuse of public office for personal gain, stressing the need for public servants to always uphold integrity and avoid actions that undermine public trust.
The Commission equally encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the ongoing fight against graft and report suspicious activities to the ICPC through its established channels.
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