Court to Rule on UK Visa Fraud Virtual Testimony
Court to Rule on UK Visa Fraud Virtual Testimony
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi has scheduled February 18, 2026, to rule on a motion seeking to allow a United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Mr. Emmanuel Opeyemi, to testify virtually.
The Inspector-General of Police filed the application to enable Opeyemi, who is the complainant in an alleged visa fraud case, to give his evidence from overseas.
The case involves defendants Shitta Aderibigbe and Fanzine Educational Consult, who were arraigned before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo on a two-count charge. They were accused of providing false information to the British government regarding a marriage, a claim to which they have pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly told the British Embassy that Mr. Opeyemi was married to one Dolapo Yusuf. This false information reportedly placed Opeyemi at risk of deportation from the United Kingdom back to Nigeria, leading to the current legal battle.
Following their “not guilty” plea, Justice Oyeyipo granted Aderibigbe bail in the sum of ₦1 million. The bail conditions required two sureties who must be civil servants of at least Grade Level 9 and residents within the Federal Capital Territory.
During the recent proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Vincent Imoedemhe, emphasized the need for the virtual testimony.
However, the defense counsel noted she had just been served with the motion and expressed her intention to oppose the application, leading to the request for an adjournment.
The complainant, Mr. Opeyemi, is reportedly struggling with depression and is currently on antidepressant medication. He is also simultaneously pursuing an appeal and judicial review in the United Kingdom to challenge the attempted deportation triggered by the alleged fraud.
