Jabi: A UK-based Nigerian, Mr. Emmanuel Makinde, testified in the FCT High Court that his travel agent, Waliyu Shitta, fraudulently listed a woman as his wife in a UK visa application processed in 2022. Makinde revealed this during his evidence-in-chief before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Makinde alleged that Shitta added Miss Dolapo Yusuf as his legally married wife without his knowledge or consent. This act purportedly caused significant issues with UK authorities when Makinde later attempted to bring his actual wife into the country.
Makinde detailed his interactions with Shitta, stating he had consistently informed the agent that he was single in relation to his 2022 UK student visa application. He explained, “After my wife completed her studies in 2024, I submitted an application for her to join me in the United Kingdom.”
Further complicating matters, Makinde received an email from the UK Home Office while at work, requesting proof that any previous marriage had been legally dissolved. He immediately reached out to Shitta with a voice note and a screenshot of the email, detailing the critical nature of the situation. However, Shitta allegedly blocked him on WhatsApp following the communication.
Makinde also stated that his pastor, Mr. Aregbesola Sanyanolu of the Celestial Church of Christ, Jerusalem Parish in Ado-Ekiti, who initially introduced him to Shitta, stopped responding to his calls and messages when he suggested involving the authorities.
In response to the UK Home Office, Makinde clarified that he had never been married to anyone other than his wife. Despite this, the visa application was denied as the home office believed he already had a marriage on record in the UK.
During the visa application process, Makinde claimed that Shitta instructed him to confirm having uploaded additional documents at his biometric appointment, a directive he followed without authorizing the inclusion of Yusuf as his wife.
Justice Oyeyipo has adjourned the case until October 7 for the continuation of the witness’s evidence. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Shitta is facing prosecution by the police for allegedly listing Yusuf as Makinde’s wife in the visa application to aid her travel abroad.