A Nigerian living in the United Kingdom has accused Oluyinka Onikepo, a Nigerian immigration consultant in Lagos State, of abandoning him after collecting £3,500 to help him secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to extend his stay in the UK.

Speaking with FIJ, the man, who asked to be anonymous, said that since November, after Onikepo, who is the lead consultant at Eglobal Travel and Tourism, failed to keep her word, he had called and texted her repeatedly, but she would not return his money.

The Nigerian said that he had sought assistance with a Global Talent Visa application, but Onikepo told him she could only assist with a support worker visa. According to him, she said the process of obtaining this visa was entirely under her control.

“She asked for £6,500 in total but said I should pay £3,500 upfront and the balance later. I agreed but told her I would only pay if I could verify where I would be working, to ensure it was genuine and there was a job available. She agreed,” the man told FIJ.

READ ALSO: Self-Proclaimed UK HR Expert David Edem Cuts Ties With Nigerian Man After Collecting £10,000 for CoS

After transferring the money, however, Onikepo became evasive. Calls to her phone would go unanswered, and when she eventually resurfaced, sometimes after several days, she gave excuses ranging from illness to being too busy to respond.

“Each time I called, she wouldn’t pick up. Then, maybe after ten days, she would say she had a toothache and tell me not to worry,” he said.

He said that Onikepo also dodged his requests for information about the supposed employer or workplace. Matters came to a head in March when the man, frustrated, persuaded the mutual friend who introduced them to arrange a group call with Onikepo.

READ ALSO: Another Nigerian Wants £9,000 Back from ‘Oluomo of Derby’ Over Failed CoS Deal

He said that during the call, Onikepo claimed she had transferred his payment to a third party for processing. When asked for proof, he said, she promised to send a transaction screenshot within 20 minutes. She eventually sent one after 30 minutes, but closer inspection revealed discrepancies.

“We found that the screenshot was edited. The company she claimed to have sent the money to had shut down since 2018,” the man said.

“I have yet to give her my passport, but I have only two months left to stay in the UK legally. The last time she picked up her call, she told me not to worry. But she would not refund or do what I paid her for.”

FIJ called Onikepo, but her line was switched off. FIJ then sent her a WhatsApp text, which, although delivered, has yet to be responded to after 24 hours.