By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The British High Commission in Nigeria has warned Nigerians against fake visa and admission offers UK.

It issued a warning urging Nigerians to be cautious of scams related to UK work and study opportunities if they are planning to migrate to the United Kingdom.

The warning, which was made in a press statement, follows increasing reports by universities in the UK of fraudulent schemes targeting foreign students, reports The Guardian.

The UK memo lists the types of scams that have been found to target foreign students, saying, “Over the years, there have been reports of the sharing of worthless visas and work offers, especially for care homes that do not exist in the UK, have become more widespread in recent years. These schemes have left many individuals stranded in the UK, having invested all their savings in what turned out to be fake opportunities.”

A BBC investigation revealed that, in September 2024, a network was found selling bogus work visas and care worker jobs, leading to the exploitation of unsuspecting applicants.

Some victims, particularly women, are now trapped in the UK, unable to return home without losing the money they paid for these fraudulent offers.

The British High Commission has specifically warned against offers that guarantee visa approval or claim to provide quicker, easier entry into the UK than official methods. They also cautioned against requests for money to prove financial support, as genuine visa processes do not ask for such payments.

The UK government urges applicants to verify job and study offers using official sources, including the government’s Register of Worker and Temporary Worker licensed sponsors, to ensure the legitimacy of potential employers and institutions. It is also important to avoid paying fees to agents claiming to work for UK authorities, as these are often scams.

For those considering UK opportunities, the British High Commission stressed the importance of researching official guidance pages to identify common fraud tactics and ensure their applications are legitimate.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

There’s joyful noise in different parts of Nigeria as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the price of petrol at its retail stations from N960 to N945 per litre.

The new price took effect on Thursday, February 13, following directives from the company.

At an NNPC filling station in Ejigbo, attendants confirmed the price change, noting an increase in customer turnout and long queues.

However, some consumers believe the reduction is too small to impact their expenses.

The commercial driver at the station stated that he would not lower transport fares due to the slight difference in price.

Other filling stations, including Ardova, Mobil, and Petrocam, have not made any changes.

Ardova continues selling at N970 per litre, while Mobil and Petrocam sell at N960 and N970 per litre, respectively.

This adjustment follows a similar move by MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, which recently set its petrol price at N925 per litre in Lagos. MRS also announced regional prices of N935 per litre in the South West, N945 per litre in the North, and N955 per litre in the South East.

The recent price changes are linked to global energy trends and a drop in crude oil prices.

Since the removal of fuel subsidies, petrol prices have fluctuated, reaching nearly N1000 per litre.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the product was sold at N198 per litre.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Anambra State Government has sealed a shrine in Umuofor village, Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, allegedly used by one Ekene Igboegbueze for illicit rituals aimed at supernaturally enriching individuals.

The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, disclosed this while leading operatives of Operation Udo Ga-Achi to the shrine.

He explained that the government’s action was prompted by multiple complaints from residents of Okija, as well as a viral online video in which Igboegbueze openly admitted to engaging in Oke Ite, Yahoo Plus, and Awele—practices that contravene Anambra State’s Homeland Security Laws.

Mr. Emeakayi further revealed that, in addition to sealing the shrine, the state government had confiscated all properties acquired by the suspect through the proceeds of the alleged illegal activities. He added that all items recovered from the shrine would undergo forensic examination, and the results would determine the government’s next course of action.

Speaking on the development, the Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Mr. Chinenye Ihenko, decried the rising influence of fraudulent native doctors and self-proclaimed pastors, stating that their activities encourage a dangerous “get-rich-quick” mentality among youths.

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