BUSINESS DAY
Nigerians, both in the UK and at home, are seeking swift action from law enforcement agencies, especially the EFCC, to apprehend an immigration fraudster accused of scamming individuals with promises of British Certificates of Sponsorship.
Kayode Stephen Oyedare, based in the UK, allegedly swindled over £68,000 from more than eight people under the guise of securing these certificates, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reported.
Understanding the Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a vital document for migrants applying for UK Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker Visas, permitting legal work without breaching UK regulations.
The scam unveiled
Oyedare, reportedly in business with Peniela Eniayo Akintujoye, a Nigerian travel agent, misled intending migrants seeking work in UK care homes.
It was gathered that initially partners, Akintujoye entrusted his clients’ money to Oyedare based on past associations. However, Oyedare failed to deliver, deceiving both migrants and Akintujoye.
“I knew him as a friend and did some small businesses with him before he left Nigeria. So this was the basis of my trust,” Akintujoye revealed. He continued, “I gave him money for 10 applications, which summed up to £68,000.”
Broken promises and frustration
Oyedare’s assurances of prompt certificate delivery fell flat. Despite Akintujoye’s efforts, only £10,000 of the £68,000 was recovered. “Unfortunately, and perhaps unsurprising to him as he knew what he set out to do from the outset, he couldn’t secure a single certificate,” Akintujoye stated.
Reputation at stake
By providing Oyedare’s account details, Akintujoye faced a severe reputational hit, struggling with the backlash. He described clients’ refund demands, lamenting the distressing impact: “For two months, £58,000 has been stuck with this guy despite all our pleas.”
Amidst Akintujoye’s struggles, impending deportations loom for affected individuals facing visa renewal issues due to lost funds. Oyedare’s unresponsiveness added to the crisis.
According to FIJ, three other victims in Bradford shared similar tales, each losing £4,000 and encountering Oyedare’s silence, echoing Akintujoye’s plight.
Accountability and trust betrayal: Jubifilai’s claims
Jubifilai, an Ibadan-based automobile business owner, asserted his intention to hold Akintujoye accountable for the £8,000 loss attributed to Oyedare’s actions.
Distancing himself from any direct dealings with Oyedare, he emphasised, “I don’t know any Kayode Oyedare… My business is with Peniela Akintujoye. If I am holding anybody accountable, it’s him.”
