For forging documents designed to deceive the British High Commission in applying for UK visa, Ijamilusi Ayodele James was on Monday sentenced to seven days imprisonment or pay a fine of N4,000,000.
He was also required to file an affidavit undertaking to maintain good behaviour and have his biometric details recorded in the Lagos State Judiciary’s offenders’ database.
He was sentenced by Justice Rahman Oshodi of Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja after he pleaded guilty to an amended four-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC for act constituting a felony.
According to the Commission, the act contravenes Section 26(1)(c) and punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Ijamilusi Ayodele James’ forgery
The prosecution stated that the forged documents were part of visa applications presented to the British High Commission in Lagos.
During the hearing, the court was told that Awoke Nimota paid N150,000 to Ijamilusi for the forged documents, while Dennis Adeniran made an initial N65,000 payment, agreeing to settle the balance upon visa approval.
The ICPC secured his conviction following a detailed investigation, upon his arrest.
According to the Lead Prosecution team, Mrs. Yvonne William-Mbata, Esq., exposed a criminal enterprise where falsified corporate letters and payslips were used to support fraudulent UK visa applications.
Ijamilusi Ayodele James was initially charged in May 2018, when he conspired with Awoke Nimota Omobolaji and Dennis Adeniran Adetoye, who were already convicted for fake documents purporting to be from Thompson Reuters Limited and Clarivate Analytics.
Earlier, the co-conspirators; Awoke Nimota Omobolaji and Dennis Adeniran Adetoye, were sentenced on 20 March 2019, and 5 March 2025 by Justice Mojisola Dada and Justice Rahman Oshodi respectively.
Ijamilusi Ayodele James pleaded guilty
Subsequently, Ijamilusi entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.
Following his arraignment, the defendant admitted guilt to an amended information dated July 29, 2025 in the presence of Teena Wills-Obong, Esq., who represented him.
The charges were read to him in English, and he pleaded guilty to all four counts and the court formally convicted him.
Sentence, condition
The court held that, “Your deliberate fabrication of false documents designed to deceive the British High Commission demonstrates a calculated disregard for the law and a willingness to profit from fraudulent activities. Such conduct tarnishes the reputation of legitimate Nigerian visa applicants.”
“Mr Ijamilusi, you are a man of education and capability, as evidenced by your ability to create sophisticated false documents. Unfortunately, you chose to employ these skills in the service of a criminal enterprise rather than legitimate endeavours.
“You have been given an opportunity through this plea agreement to avoid custodial punishment while still being held accountable for your crimes. Do not squander this opportunity. Use it as a chance for rehabilitation and a return to lawful conduct.
Justice Oshodi sentenced the defendant to seven days’ imprisonment on each of the four counts, to run concurrently, with an option of a fine of N1,000,000 per count.
