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Visa (7)

Nigeria Once denied Bill Gates' visa application

Posted by cozzy webtatafo on February 23, 2011 at 11:59am

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Bill Gates’ visa application for Nigeria was rejected by its government initially. They wanted Gates to show proof that he would not reside in Nigeria indefinitely and cause a strain on Government’s services.

Bill Gates was recently visiting Africa, probably for his Gates Foundation charities, wanted to travel to Nigeria. He needed a visa from Nigerian Government, so when he applied for the visa, Nigeria denied him. The Nigerian government required proof that the Bill Gates would not stay in the country for a long time and become a burden to Nigeria’s social services and immigration. Nigeria because of its oil wealth, many from other African countries immigrate illegally, so the Nigerian governement required assurances from Bill Gates that he will not be in the country for long. A travel document expediter CIBT helped the billionaire Bill Gates overcome the hurdle by helping him with his application, obtained a letter from Gates’ bank that reassured the Nigerian authorities, who later approved his visa. 9jabook.com writer says his holiday plans to Nigeria goes down the drain, if Gates has problems getting into Nigeria, he has absolutely no chance. No, not even with a Gizmodo email account as collateral—shocking. I don’t know where the Nigerian government got the idea that Gates is going to stay in Nigeria for long; it must have been embarrassing for Gates. At least we have to admire Nigerian officials they didn’t care who the person was and just followed the government procedures.


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Three Nigerians in UK jail over college visa scam

Posted by 9jabook.com on December 14, 2010 at 10:14pm

Three Nigerians were yesterday jailed for a total of 18-and-a-half years for setting up a fake educational institution, called Bogus Colleges, to help illegal immigrants remain in the United Kingdom. The UK Border Agency’s London Immigration Crime Team, told the prosecution that its investigations revealed the dirty deals of the three, which include a husband and wife, Tiamiyu and Christiana Bello, aged 75 and 67 respectively, and a 39-year-old solicitor, Adeyinka Adeniran..

The couple were arrested following a raid on a property on New Cross Road in South London in July 2007, while Mr. Adeniran was later arrested following a search of his office on Old Kent Road. The sentence yesterday followed an 11-week trial at Croydon Crown Court, where the Bellos were found guilty of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration and conspiracy to possess articles for use in fraud. They were both sentenced to five years in prison each. Mr. Adeniran was also found guilty of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration, which the judge described as a “disgrace to his profession.” He was sentenced to eight and a half years behind bars..

Revelations

The UK Border’s Agency said its raid on Mr. And Mrs. Bello’s office, which was registered to the address of “Academic College of Education” and the “Academic College of Training and Recruitment”, institutions for which the Bellos were the principals, led to the seizures of documents.

“During a search, a large number of documents were seized, including letters purporting to be from the Academic College of Education and counterfeit qualification certificates. Many of the files seized from that address contained documentation from the Bellos’ college. Officers soon discovered that the building was a collection of bedsits and there was no evidence of lessons being taught there,” the agency said.

UK officers told the court that though the scam had been on for many years, the entirety of the business structure totally, “involved the supply of fake qualification documents which were then used to support visa applications to the Home Office. Many applicants were then represented by Mr. Adeniran through his legal practice.”

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US, UK, EU place visa ban on Yar'Adua's men

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on March 1, 2010 at 12:11am
US, UK, EU place visa ban on Yar'Adua's men *President's aides' names compiled by global anti-money laundering body *UK envoy, Jonathan in strategic closed door meeting
Written by Taiwo Adisa
Monday, March 1, 2010

TOP officials of Western powers, including the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, (UK), Canada and the European Union (EU), have given clear indications to the Nigerian government that they are placing visa restrictions on aides of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, who are believed to be



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orchestrating political confusion that could endanger Nigeria's democracy.

In separate representations to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan in the last one week, sources confirmed that the Western authorities have also compiled names of such "trouble makers" in the country and forwarded same to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global anti-money laundering body, for the investigation of their alleged stupendous wealth.

Sources close to the administration confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that while some of the Western governments made representation to the Nigerian authorities through their ambassadors in Nigeria, others actually sent special envoys.

It was gathered that a special envoy of the UK government actually met with the acting president behind closed doors on Saturday.

A source said that the delegation also included the UK Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr Bob Dewar, who led the team with a special message to the acting president.

Though the meeting was held behind closed doors, a source close to the government said that the discussions centred on how to stabilise the Nigerian democracy.

It was gathered that the UK government had, on its own, identified those described as 'trouble makers' in Nigeria, who are regarded as orchestrating political confusion in the country.

The acting president was told that, henceforth, such persons would be placed under scrutiny in the UK and that their names were being forwarded to the FATF.

It was gathered that while some of those involved have only earned salaries all their life, their offshore accounts are fatter than those of well known businessmen.

Sources said that there was the suspicion in the Western countries that some of those who have earned illicit funds could be willing tools and agents of terrorism.

It was also gathered that these Western governments were ready to seize assets of any of the targeted officials which could not be defended.

"There could be the likelihood of prosecutions at the end of the day but I guess they came early to inform the Nigerian authorities such that it will not be news to them when some Nigerians start facing serious times in the Western countries," a source said.

It was learnt that the Western countries are seriously seeking the intervention of FATF to isolate the channels by which the said officials moved huge sums from Nigeria in recent years.

"They decided to inform Nigeria early enough because they would require the cooperation of the Nigerian authorities," a source said.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, has written to Dr. Jonathan, expressing the support of his administration for the Nigerian leader and listing areas the two countries need to urgently collaborate.

The letter, dated February 26, 2010 and signed by the Prime Minister, stated the support of the UK's government to Jonathan's commitment to the fight against corruption and finding a lasting solution to the problems of the Niger Delta.

Brown welcomed the inaugural speech by Jonathan on February 9, stating that the UK was ready to continue to partner Nigeria on the path of progress.

Some of the priority areas the UK hoped Jonathan would concentrate on and further collaborate with the West included the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Niger Delta, electoral reform, the fight against corruption and the fight against international terrorism.

The letter reads: "I am writing to congratulate you on taking up your new role as Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"As you know, we firmly believe that principles of abiding by the constitution, together with democratic values, non-violence and the rule of law are fundamental to resolving political and constitutional issues. I commend the efforts made by the Executive Council of the Federation, the National Assembly and the Executive to promote a peaceful and democratic solution to the recent uncertainty.


"The UK has long been a committed friend and partner of Nigeria and have continued to give strong and constructive support during the recent difficult weeks. I welcomed the commitments you made in your address to the nation and would strongly support you on the need for electoral reform and democra-tisation, tackling corruption and bringing peace and stability to the Niger Delta..

"We face joint challenges internationally, including in the fight against global terrorism. We remain committed to help you tackle poverty and make real progress towards the MDGs. I hope we can work together on these and other issues.

"I also look forward to working with you closely on the UN Security Council. We hope that you will be able to support strong UN action in response to Iran's failure to address international concerns over its nuclear programme and its breach of five UNSCRs.

"We remain committed to help you tackle poverty and make real progress towards the MDGs, in particular I hope we can work together to support the 1-Goal campaign and education for all in advance of the South African World Cup this year. I hope we can work together on these and other issues.

"We extend wishes for President Yar'Adua's recovery and I look forward to meeting you in the not too distant future.

Yours Sincerely,

Gordon Brown.
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Lagos: Brother marries sister in desperate bid to secure UK visa

Posted by Akin Osunlaja WebLagosian on February 21, 2010 at 1:15pm
Lagos: Brother marries sister in desperate bid to secure UK visa
By Chioma Igbokwe

Saturday, February 20, 2010
It could be described as a taboo for siblings to marry one another, but Anthonia and Victor in desperate bid to secure UK visa decided to be known and addressed as husband and wife. On the fateful day, January 28, 2008, Anthonia dressed in a flowing white gown, marched to the Ojo marriage registry with Victor to be joined as husband and wife. This was done in a bid to convince the British High Commission to grant them a visiting visa since they can never meet the criteria needed to secure such visa.

Anthonia and Victor
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With the aid of a naval officer, (Kayode Olaniyan) they were able to secure forged documents, which portrayed them as highly placed individuals in Nigeria. The expectation was that the forged document would guarantee them a visiting visa, and they applied to spend two weeks in UK.

To further convince the BHC, they went along with their wedding photograph, especially where they were cementing their ‘marriage’ with a kiss. Bubble however bust on February 16 when the British High Commission that was not aware the ‘couple’ is related by blood discovered that the bank statement presented was slightly altered. They alerted the police at the Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi who in turn dispatched an officer to stand by for any possible arrest.

Unknown to them that their game was up, the BHC invited the ‘couple’ for a final interview, where they would be issued a visa. They were careful to ensure that they appeared in uniformed attire so that the difference would not be spotted. Passersby commended their choice of spouse as they looked alike. In the visa section, holding each other closely they stepped into the interview room. The man meant to interview them enquired if they had a swell time on Sunday being Valentine. They were still waiting for their Visa to be issued when the police arrested them for forgery. They were arrested alongside the visa racketeer, Kayode Olaniyan who is alleged to have forged the entire document used for the act.

The PRO SFU, CSP Akan, explained that when Victor discovered that the game was up, he shouted that the man (Kayode) who gave them the document was waiting outside to collect the balance as soon as they collect their approved visa. Unknown to Kayode, the game was up; he was arrested where he was waiting for the balance as soon as the deal clicks. In the course of interrogation, ready to vomit all the illegal things, they have done, Victor confessed that Anthonia was not his wife but his blood sister.

Victor told Saturday Sun that he was tired of struggling to survive in Nigeria that was why he quickly grabbed the opportunity when Kayode promised to assist them to travel out. “He gave us instances of people who he had travelled as ‘couple’. He requested that we should pay N900,000 for the deal but we ended up paying N180,000 with the promise to pay up as soon as the visa is granted.

“He promised that it was easier for couple to be granted visa so we quickly bought the idea to pose as couple. Part of the criteria was to get married, he arranged and we paid at the Ojo marriage registry. He also got some document which shows that I am a marine engineer, working in a company where I am paid more N300,000 monthly. I am an OND student of Lagos State Polytechnic where I am studying Banking and Finance.

I am not a marine engineer and do not have an account in WEMA Bank. I have never attended Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island. My real names are Ayeye Victor Adejobi. My younger sister who posed as my wife is Antonia Ayeye. Nebelisa is not my father’s name at all. Kayode gave us the surname ‘Nebelisa’ and instructed that we should obtain the passport. He took us to Ado Ekiti where we obtained the passport in the name of ‘Nebelisa’.”

When asked how he felt, kissing his sister, Victor said: “ It was disgusting but then I had no choice. I felt very bad knowing that it is an abomination, but because we wanted results, we had to comply. Take a look at the picture it will show that I was not comfortable with what I was doing.” Anthonia saw herself as an actress that was why she was very comfortable when it was time to kiss the bride.

On why she decided to embark on such mission, Anthonia explained that she did it to better her life and would not hesitate do whatever it took to get to the promised land. “I am a stylist and my office is located at Onobotubon Street, off Asho Street, Benin. Victor is my blood brother from the same father and mother. We were introduced to Kayode by a family friend who claimed that he has assisted a lot of people to secure UK visa.”

She explained that: “one of the ways to perfect the plan was to marry my brother, Victor. I saw that as a mere act, since I know that I am not married to my brother in real life. As agreed he took us to the marriage registry at Ojo, Lagos, to get married. At the end we were issued a marriage certificate. To perfect the business, he said we are to pay N900,000, but we managed to drop N180,000 as part payment. I am single and still searching ”

Their rip-off games man, Olaniyan, was not satisfied with his pay in the Navy and he chose to go into visa racketeering to add to his monthly salary. With his experience in the Navy, he was able to reproduce documents used to facilitate his clients’ visa requests, which depict the applicants as having military background.

Kayode who lives at No. 42 Olajumoke Street, Ikotun, Lagos, claimed that he joined the Nigerian Navy in 2005, and still works in the Navy. He explained that he knew his clients “through a family friend of mine, Tunde who told me that they were desperate to travel out of the country. I was the one who arranged for the forged marine documents and marine certificate of competency.

I brought the sample and it was reproduced just like the original document. I then hired the services of a good forger, Isaac, who brought the bank statement, sales receipt and the other documents that were presented. I asked them to pay, N900,000 to process the document which they agreed to but I only collected N180,000 based on the agreement that I would receive the balance at the end of the business. I would have collected the remaining sum today if the visa was issued.”

To the amazement of the British High Commission, Victor presented a document showing that he is working at the Durba Shipping (DNL). He also furnished the Commission with an internal memo approving 30 days annual leave, payment slip indicating a monthly salary of N310,000, letter of employment showing that he was employed as 2nd Engineer with effect from May 12, 2003 and a letter of introduction from the company. Victor further gave the Commission a certificate of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island Lagos.

Anthonia, the hair stylist on her part appeared before the interview panel claiming that she is CEO/Chairman of the Emmanuel Sidah Ventures. She presented an introduction letter of herself as the owner of the company. Also in her custody was a document from the Corporate Affairs Commission showing when the business was registered. This document was a certificate to authenticate the registration of the business.
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Got Visa ? no . Not Mastercard either : Wrong notions about Nigerian visa seekers

Posted by 9jabook.com on February 15, 2010 at 10:02pm
Wrong notions about Nigerian visa seekers
World Briefing By Paul Ohia email:paulohia@thisdayonline.com Tel:08034483595, 02.14.2010
Monday, February 15, 2010

If you have abundant money in your account, you are qualified for a British, American or any other advanced country visa but they do their best to restrict people with criminal intentions from getting entry into their developed world.


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Other checks outside these requirements are done perfunctorily and may not matter in your being issued a visa.

However, an indigent person can also gain access into those countries but the person must have a scholarship from a reputable organisation, country or individual but must be ready to evacuate himself from the country upon finishing his studies. He may also be invited by an affluent person.

After 9/11, those countries also started monitoring people with terrorism inclinations and have been doing what they consider the best within their means to stop such elements from gaining entry through their borders.

The dilemma of having a fat is that terrorists normally have big bank accounts to back up their applications for visa.

There are people whose works require travels like journalists, development workers and religious clerics but they may not have fat bank accounts. For instance, whose salary may be on the starting point needs to travel as much as the editor who may have a bigger pay. He may even need to travel more than the government official with a diplomatic or official passport. I have had many complaints from these categories of workers that their careers have been stunted because of the requirement by some embassies that one must have large money moving in and out of their account and once this is not there the response would be that you do not have enough to sustain you in their country. It may embarrass you with an additional comment; that you may not return if you found yourself in their country.

On several occasions they are even assured that the company would foot the bill of the traveller or that some organisations would bear the cost, yet they deny access.

Sometime ago, an American organisation needed to build mud houses and had nobody with the knowledge of doing it in their country hence they had to research and find suitable people in the Eastern Nigeria. The locals were given invitation to travel to the US but were stopped at the embassy because they could not speak English and cannot produce evidence that they would not disappear in a country where they cannot speak their language.

The latest issue on this matter is the British student visa which has been abused by terrorists who infiltrate the country as students. It is meant to favour the bourgeoisie in the sense that they are able to get their off-springs attend the best colleges just like those listed as the Highly Trusted Sponsors.

In this European country, it has not been proven that those who come for short courses who may now be subjected to tougher visa regimes are among the perpetrators of economic or security crimes. In my own view, the whole issue of visa review in Britain is based on hype. So is the fantasy about fat bank accounts.

If Mr. Balogun, a brilliant banker, is not comfortable with poor power supply in Nigeria and has the mind to escape to leave a better life in the Diaspora, nothing stops him from presenting his fat statement of account as a bank manager and taking along his family members to UK to stay forever and add to the increasing population there. Yes this scenario happens very often. Often times, those who escape to those countries are normally people who should be comfortable here also. Some have the poetic feeling that living in Europe or the Americas gives them some superiority like ancient French people who returned from Greece speaking Latin in the medieval ages. Many of them pride themselves with speaking foreign accents and making fun of local idiolects as if foreign accents are not some sort of idiolects themselves.

The point I am struggling hard to make here is that despite the fact that countries have the right to grant access their territories by issuing visas, tying the issuing of visa to a persons monetary, or with property background is not the best policy.

Visa officers should consider other issues like the person’s commitment to his profession and emotional attachment to his home country. Apart from these, experts should be called in to give their suggestions on the matter so that people who should otherwise contribute to the advancement of humanity by a broader interaction with civilizations elsewhere are not sidelined to a particular part of the globe because it appears they may lack the resources required for a traveler.
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Weboga Ebiz Analysis :Zenith Visa Prepaid Credit Cards how effective and cheap are they

Posted by 9jabook.com on August 16, 2009 at 10:00pm
99.9percent fraud proof ! hmmm that is one we have to watch carefully The Zenith Bank Visa Prepaid card offers you the recognition of a globally accepted payment card with the convenience of a prepaid card. Limit the Risk ...because it accommodates low card limit and eliminates overspending. The Visa Prepaid Card A Visa Card Prepaid Account is your solution to securely make your transactions via ATMs, POS, Internet and MO/TO. For just $20 a year(NOT TRUE there are other fees per transaction ) the Visa prepaid is the solution to most of your global payment needs. Simply pay at any Zenith Bank Branch and a Visa Prepaid card will be issued in your name with a limit of your choice. Alternatively, you can pick up a Zenith Buxz non-personalized prepaid card. Visa Prepaid Card Features: Visa Card Brand Not a c.r.e.d.it Card Use on ATMs, POS, Internet and MO/TO Card-to-card transfer Receive SMS/email notification for every transaction No c.r.e.d.it checks required Re-loadable to your desired limit not exceeding $4,000 per quarter after the initial deposit Online access to your account - No statements to be issued The prepaid cards can be personalized or non-personalized Chip and pin functionality for additional security Note: Ensure terms & conditions are clearly understood before obtaining a prepaid card. means READ IT WELL WELL ! EASE : How to Obtain a Prepaid Card: Application forms are available at all Zenith Bank branches Applicant completes application form, read the terms and conditions carefully, signs and submits to Customer Service Applicant makes the applicable cash payment to the Teller using the customized deposit slip (available at Branches) Take copy of your deposit slip to Customer Service for processing. Initial deposit is $120(roughly about15,000naira) ((exclusive of card fees) Card is activated within 24 hours after receipt of card. Activating a Visa Prepaid Card: Allow 24 hours from time of collection card activation to take effect (be prepared to wait ) Re-loading a Visa Prepaid Card: Go to any Zenith Bank branch with your Card Number. Complete fully the Prepaid deposit slip and proceed to the teller point with your cash. Your card will be re-c.r.e.d.ited within 48 hours. (Usually would be less). Charge per re-load is $5. For further enquiries on any of our ebusiness services please contact: Card Services Zenith Bank Plc Plot 84 Ajose Adeogun Street Victoria Island, Lagos. Telephone: +234 01 278 1740, 278 2273. Fax: +234 1 2700438 E-mail: cardservices@zenithbank.com When using the prepaid on an internet Site, the delivery of the goods to your indicated address on the Merchant site is at the Merchant's discretion. You are encouraged to ensure that the mailing address used for this application should be used also as your shipping address when shopping on the internet with your card. My advice is to use it only for services and downloadable goods as most international merchants reject physical goods deliveries to ?Naija ! Also there is news on the gravepine that Zenith might join the Lamido Purge Wagon with Oceanic and Co. Our Rating 6/10 ps if you need a visa prepaid card (purchases between 20- 120pounds only 5,000 naira -26,000naira) email 9jabook's card service visacard@systemini.net for more information
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Travel, Study, Job Placement and Visa Services

Posted by Future Impressions Travel & Tour on June 25, 2009 at 2:11am
Travel, Study, Job Placement and Visa ServicesFuture Impressions Travel and Tours (Ghana) is a subsidiary of Virginfield Tourism UK. As the name implies, our company is experienced in the provision of value-added services in the world of Travel & Tourism, Education, Job Placement and Visa (Immigration) service-providing outfit head quartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom.We are based in UK, South Africa, USA, Canada, Ghana, Botswana and having overseas partners.Our services include:Study AbroadFlight Training InternationalJob PlacementVisa & Immigration ServicesCustomized Travel/Tour PackagesFor further information, email us at: fittghana@gmail.com or go to our website: www.virginfieldtourism.com
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