ICPC Arraigns Woman for Forgery to Obtain UK Visa
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Ms. Elle Isaac Blessing Ojo before Justice Akobi at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Kubwa, on allegations of forging documents to secure a United Kingdom visa.
Details of the Charges
The arraignment followed the filing of a four-count charge under Charge No. CR/577/25, Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Elle Isaac Blessing Ojo. The alleged offences occurred around 2019 within the FCT, Abuja.
- Ms. Ojo is accused of forging a marriage certificate with registration number 024119/2017, claimed to be issued by a Nigerian marriage registry, and using it to support her UK visa application.
- She also allegedly forged entry and exit stamps from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on her international passport to present as genuine evidence in her visa request.
Legal Basis
According to the charge sheet, these acts violate Sections 363 and 366 and are punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation, which address forgery and fraudulent use of forged documents.
“The defendant forged a marriage certificate bearing registration number 024119/2017, purportedly issued by a Nigerian marriage registry, which she knowingly used to support her UK visa application.”
“Ms Ojo forged entry and exit stamps of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on her international passport and presented them as genuine documents to strengthen her visa application.”
Summary
The ICPC has formally charged Ms. Elle Isaac Blessing Ojo for allegedly using forgery to deceive immigration authorities and obtain a UK visa.
Author's Note
This case highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in combating document fraud to secure international travel permissions.