Stats: 22 members, 84 Topics. Date: July 19, 2025, 8:19 pm
“He Took My £10,500”: UK-Based Nigerian Alleges CoS Scam By 'Oluomo Of Derby'
JapaForum / Abroad Lifestyle / Life in the UK / “He Took My £10,500”: UK-Based Nigerian Alleges CoS Scam By 'Oluomo Of Derby' 12 Views
(Go Down)
(m):
12:12am on July 19
The man, who prefers to be identified as Olaolu Smith (a pseudo name), says he paid the amount to Benjamin Kuti, popularly known on X (formerly Twitter) as The President of Nigerians Living in the UK, to help secure a Certificate of Sponsorship #CoS for a work visa extension.
According to Smith, who was facing the expiration of his UK student dependent visa in October 2024, Kuti came highly recommended through a mutual friend.
“He told me he could sort a three-year visa extension for me and my family through a job offer and sponsorship,” Smith told Japaforum.com. “He asked for £10,500. I was desperate and out of options, so I borrowed and paid in full.”
The money, Smith said, was transferred in tranches into three UK bank accounts provided by Kuti between October 1 and 2, 2024.
A Visa That Ended in Disappointment
Smith said he was issued a CoS and later granted a Skilled Worker visa by the UK Home Office. However, the supposed job offer behind the visa never materialised. Repeated attempts to get confirmation or onboarding details from Kuti reportedly led to silence, dodged messages, and ultimately, being blocked.
Then came the crushing blow in March 2025.
“I received a curtailment letter from the UK Home Office saying my visa had been cancelled due to problems with the sponsor. I reached out to Mr Kuti again. He promised to sort it out and even agreed to refund the money. But it’s been silence since then.”
Oluomo of Derby Responds
When contacted for comment, Benjamin Kuti admitted to being involved, but denied personal responsibility.
“I didn’t collect money directly from him. I only introduced him to a company that could help,” Kuti told Japaforum.com, echoing a statement previously sent to other news outlets. “The sponsorship licence was later revoked, which was beyond my control.”
Kuti insists he is being unfairly targeted because of his public profile.
“This is the sixth media organisation to contact me. I’m not holding anyone’s money and I have no authority to issue refunds.”
Smith Fires Back
But Smith isn’t buying it.
“I was never introduced to any company. I didn’t even know their name. Kuti was my only contact. He collected the money and sent me a CoS,”
“The company is still active on the #HomeOffice list, so no licence was revoked. It was Kuti’s excuse at the time that he had fallen out with his ‘contact’. He promised a refund. Nothing came.”
Smith said he is now facing uncertainty, visa complications, and financial pressure while Kuti continues to maintain his public image on social media.
Not an Isolated Case?
Multiple Nigerians have recently come forward with similar claims against Kuti involving failed sponsorship deals and unrefunded payments ranging from £7,000 to £10,000.
As the UK government tightens its immigration policies, especially around care work sponsorships, many vulnerable migrants in the Nigerian community are finding themselves targeted by unregulated agents and self-styled “helpers”.
Calls for Justice and Regulation
Diaspora Nigerians in the UK are now calling for stronger protections and clearer regulation around visa sponsorships.
Smith says he has taken legal steps and is preparing to involve UK authorities.
“I want my £10,500 back,” he said. “And I want others to be warned.”
0 Like
7 guests viewing this topic
JapaForum is owned and managed by Semasa Opeoluwa(semasir)
(Read JF Rules)
- Advertise With Us
- Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: Every JapaForum member is solely responsible for anything
that he/she posts or uploads on .
For enquiries & feedbacks send email to: japaforumng@gmail.com