- ICPC hails conviction as deterrence against criminal syndicates, their sponsors
The Ikeja High Court (Criminal Division) in Lagos has sentenced an official of Ikeja Local Government, Michael Kuyoro, to two years imprisonment over his involvement in a visa fraud syndicate in Lagos State.
The presiding judge, Honourable Justice O.A. Okunuga found Kuyoro guilty of conspiracy and issuing false statements in a visa fraud case brought before the court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In his ruling, 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.
The Court also ordered the convict to complete three months of community service while being 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 now and in the future.
However, while noting that existing penalties under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, are “outdated and insufficient”, the Court called for urgent legislative review to strengthen deterrence against modern and emerging corruption antics by criminal elements in the country.
The ICPC had dragged Kuyoro before the Court following a petition from the Italian High Commission concerning 22 visa applicants who presented forged letters of invitation and introduction for interviews.
Investigations revealed that Kuyoro abused his position by producing falsified documents on official Ikeja Local Government letterhead, falsely presenting applicants as staff or affiliates.
It was also discovered that the accused received ₦50,000 from an accomplice, Samuel Orebela, who is currently at large, to facilitate and perpetrate the fraud.
Facing an initial four-count charge, Kuyoro entered a plea bargain that reduced the charges to two counts and 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.
In securing the conviction, insider sources confirmed that it is a milestone achievement for the ICPC having successfully dismantled the visa fraud syndicate that has been defrauding innocent people in Lagos State and its environs over the years.
“There is no denying the fact that the development is another significant victory recorded by the ICPC in the ongoing fight against corruption”, the insider volunteered.
This is as the anti-graft agency reaffirmed its resolve and commitment to continuously tackle the corruption menace while urging public servants to maintain integrity in their service delivery at all times.
The Commission also encouraged citizens to always report suspicious activities through its established channels as well as constantly engaging with relevant security agencies for public safety
