Alleged Marriage Scam: UK-based Nigerian To Testify Virtually In Court

Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja, has granted leave to a United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Mr. Emmanuel Opeyemi Makinde, to testify virtually before the court over an alleged marriage scam.

The court fixed May 7, 2026 for Mr. Makinde to give his testimony before the court.

A travel agent, Mr. Waliyu Aderibigbe Shitta, is standing trial before the court for allegedly arranging a fraudulent marriage for Miss Dolapo Afusat Yusuf in order to facilitate her travel abroad using the identity of Mr. Makinde, a Nigerian citizen based in the United Kingdom.

The court made the order in a ruling on Monday after parties argued a motion seeking to allow Mr. Makinde testify virtually in the case.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) filed the motion seeking leave of court for Mr. Makinde, who is the nominal complainant, to give evidence from the United Kingdom.

The Investigating Police Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Monday Onoja, informed the court that the defendant, after being interrogated, could not produce the marriage certificate allegedly used to facilitate the travel of Miss Dolapo Afusat Yusuf to the United Kingdom.

According to him, the defendant stated during investigation that the document had been deleted from their office system.

ASP Monday Onoja further stated that the Nigeria Police had written to the British High Commission requesting the document but had not yet received any response.