The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC has arraigned a visa agent, Adediwura Stanley, before the Lagos State High Court for allegedly forging financial documents to facilitate the procurement of a United Kingdom visa.
Stanley was arraigned on March 11, 2026, before Justice I. Ijelu in a case marked ID/27584C/2026, where he faces charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and the use of false documents.
A statement by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday said, “The defendant allegedly conspired with two other individuals, Olufemi Adewunmi and Oluwayemi Oyinkan, to produce forged financial documents intended to deceive the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration, a division of the UK Home Office.
“The prosecution told the court that the forged documents included a corporate payslip and a United Bank for Africa (UBA) bank statement, which were allegedly prepared and submitted to support a visa application.
“Stanley is facing charges under Sections 516 and 467 of the Criminal Code Act for conspiracy and forgery, as well as Sections 17(1)(c) and 25(1)(a) of the ICPC Act 2000 for knowingly using documents containing false statements and making false declarations to a public officer.
“Despite objections from the prosecution team led by Mrs. Yvonne Williams-Mbata, which argued that the defendant posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses, Justice Ijelu granted Stanley bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
“The court ruled that one of the sureties must be a blood relative resident in Lagos State. Both sureties must also provide evidence of income tax payment, proof of means of livelihood, and verifiable residential addresses.”
The statement added that Stanley was ordered to deposit his international passport with the court registry and barred from travelling outside Nigeria while the case is pending.
“Justice Ijelu subsequently adjourned the matter to April 1, 2026, for the commencement of trial,” the ICPC noted.
Speaking on the development, ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey said the Commission remains committed to tackling document fraud and protecting the integrity of international travel processes.
“The Commission will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to use forged documents to gain unlawful advantage,” he said, noting that such offences undermine Nigeria’s credibility and violate the law.
The ICPC said the ongoing prosecutions are part of efforts to deter fraudulent practices and ensure accountability in Nigeria’s travel and documentation processes.
Punch