The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday, March 17, announced the arraignment of a travel agent, Adediwura Adesina Stanley, before the Lagos state high court for forging financial documents to secure a United Kingdom (UK) visa.
Stanley was arraigned on March 11, before Justice Ismaila Ijelu on multiple charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and the use of false documents.
The forged documents included a corporate payslip and a United Bank for Africa (UBA) bank statement, which were prepared and submitted to facilitate the grant of a visa.
According to the commission, Stanley conspired with two others, identified as Olufemi Samuel Adewunmi and Oluwayemi Oyinkan, to deceive the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) division of the UK Home Office by submitting forged financial documents.
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 false documents and making false statements to a public officer.
The defence counsel moved an application seeking bail for the defendant.
However, the prosecution team, led by Yvonne Williams-Mbata, opposed the application and filed a counter-affidavit, arguing that the defendant posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
Justice Ijelu granted Stanley bail for ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum despite the prosecution’s objection.
The court stipulated that one of the sureties must be a blood relative residing in Lagos state, and both must provide proof of income, tax payment, and verifiable residential addresses.
As part of the bail conditions, the sureties must sign an undertaking ensuring the defendant remains in Nigeria.
Stanley was also ordered to deposit his international passport with the court registry, as he is prohibited from leaving the country for the duration of the trial.
Justice Ijelu adjourned the matter to April 1st for the commencement of the trial.
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