Former Nigerian Community Leader in UK Linked to Fresh Skilled Visa Fraud Allegations Amid Deportation Risk Claims
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
A former president of a Nigerian community association in the United Kingdom, Nurudeen Alowonle, also known as Benjamin Kuti and “Oluomo of Derby”, has been accused of involvement in a renewed skilled worker visa scam, according to investigative documents and victim accounts cited by SaharaReporters.
The allegations centre on a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scheme, where individuals reportedly paid thousands of pounds in exchange for promised UK work sponsorships that never materialised. The latest claims suggest the scheme continued even after earlier fraud accusations forced him to step down from his leadership position in 2025.
Investigations referenced by SaharaReporters indicate that between February and July 2025, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) previously documented similar complaints, where multiple victims alleged they paid substantial sums, ranging from £2,500 to £9,000, for non-existent sponsorship opportunities. Source: SaharaReporters investigative report and FIJ publications (2025–2026).
One complainant reportedly said she paid £9,000 after being assured of securing a CoS through Kuti’s influence within the Nigerian diaspora network. She claimed delays and repeated assurances followed, but no sponsorship was ever delivered.
A more recent alleged victim stated she paid £2,500 in October 2025 into a company account linked to Hyperaync Consult Ltd after being introduced to Kuti by an associate. She later alleged that communication stopped abruptly, and refund promises were not fulfilled.
Screenshots referenced in the report reportedly show threatening messages sent to the victim after she demanded a refund, including warnings of police involvement over alleged defamation. The woman further claimed that installment repayment promises of £500 per month were made but not honoured.
Alowonle, when contacted by SaharaReporters, reportedly acknowledged the dispute, expressed regret over communication issues, and promised to resolve the matter and issue refunds. However, according to subsequent victim statements, no payment had been received as of the latest update.
Additional complaints from other UK-based individuals also allege financial losses tied to similar CoS arrangements, with some claims dating back to 2023. The UK Home Office has previously reported widespread abuse of sponsorship systems, with thousands of sponsor licences revoked between 2022 and 2025 over compliance breaches affecting multiple nationalities.
The allegations remain unproven in court, and no official conviction has been recorded in connection with the claims at the time of reporting. The case continues to draw attention within diaspora circles amid renewed scrutiny of visa-related fraud schemes.
Comments