In continuation of its clampdown of visa fraudsters, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, charged eleven persons before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, for forgery of documents to procure traveling permits from some embassies.

The twelve accused person was charged before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Those charged at the Lagos court include Chukwu Daniel Okoro, Sylvester Sunday Aghaonu, Emmanuel Uchenna Okeke, Adline Ifeyinwa Ekekalu, Philomena Nwanorue, Okwara Chidera Oscar, and Kennedy Nwosu.

Others are Ntiedo Uyoata Sampson, Ataine Helen Bando, Samuel Okechukwu Obiakor and Alimi Segun.

The suspects allegedly submitted forged letter of introduction, WAEC statement of result, bank statement of account, sponsorship letter, company registration certificate as well as medical reports to enable them obtain visas.

The twelfth accused person, Matthew Abasi Ifereke, was arraigned before Justice Mariam Anenih of the FCT High Court, Abuja  for allegedly impersonating as a public officer to obtain United Kingdom and India visas.
After his arraignment, he was ordered detained in Kuje prison until January 21 when the prosecution react to his lawyer’s bail application.

The accused who was arraigned before the court on the December 5, 2013 pleaded not guilty to the 12 counts charge preferred against him .

Counsel to the accused person, Godwin Ofou filed an application for the bail of the accused but it was objected to by counsel to the ICPC, Isaac Jiya.

After listening to the argument of both counsel the presiding Judge adjourned the matter till January, while also ordering that Ifereke be remanded at Kuje Prison till the date of adjournment.