Court jails Lagos woman for impersonating NAFDAC official in visa fraud

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a Lagos-based woman, Remilekun Temitope Balogun-Okedeyi, to one year imprisonment for impersonating an official of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in a visa-related fraud.

The judgment, delivered on April 14, 2026, followed her prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The case originated from a petition submitted by the British Deputy High Commission, raising concerns over fraudulent activities linked to international travel documentation.

Findings from the investigation revealed that the defendant falsely presented herself as a NAFDAC official in order to gain credibility and facilitate a visa racketeering operation.

During the trial, the ICPC prosecution team, led by Yvonne William-Mbata, tendered evidence demonstrating that the defendant deliberately misrepresented her identity and benefited from the scheme.

Balogun-Okedeyi pleaded guilty to the amended charge, thereby accelerating the court proceedings.

A prosecution witness, identified as Mr Onyema, provided details on how the fraudulent network operated and the role the impersonation played in deceiving relevant authorities.

The defendant was represented by Mrs Grace Adenubi of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

In her ruling, Justice Dada sentenced the convict to one year imprisonment, with an option of a N500,000 fine, in addition to community service within the court premises.

The court also directed her to enter into a bond to be of good behaviour.

Court jails Lagos woman for impersonating NAFDAC official in visa fraud