The ICPC warned that it “reserves the right to reopen investigations” if James breaches his undertaking or if new evidence
ICPC Nails UK Visa Fraudster in High-Profile Document Forgery Case
By Newsheadline247
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Ijamulisi Ayodele James for forging documents used in fraudulent United Kingdom visa applications.
In a statement on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the breakthrough came after “credible intelligence from the British High Commission” linked James to the production of fake documents — including invitation and introduction letters purportedly from Clarivate Analytics and Thomson Reuters, as well as a falsified bank statement and payslip.
Investigations revealed that the forged materials were prepared at the request of Dennis Adetoye Adeniran and Awoke Nimota Omobolaji, both previously convicted in related cases in 2019 and 2025, respectively.
James was arraigned on August 7 before Justice R.A. Oshodi at the Ikeja Special Offences Court on a four-count amended charge of forgery under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. He pleaded guilty to all charges under a plea bargain approved by the Commission.
The court handed him a fine of ₦1 million or seven days’ imprisonment for each count — amounting to a total fine of ₦4 million, with the sentences running concurrently. If unable to pay, James will serve his term at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Facility.
Justice Oshodi further ordered that James’ biometric details be entered into the Lagos State Judiciary Offenders’ Database and mandated him to file an affidavit of good behaviour at the High Court Registry.
The ICPC warned that it “reserves the right to reopen investigations” if James breaches his undertaking or if new evidence, undeclared assets, or corruption-related offences surface.
According to the Commission, the case sends a strong message about its determination to combat document fraud, protect the integrity of international travel systems, and enforce the rule of law. Read More
