Steve Adodo had high hopes of relocating to the UK through the #GlobalTalentVisa route when he was introduced to Eyitayo Ogunmola, a UK-based consultant reportedly known for guiding clients through the application process.

Introduced via a mutual contact in February 2025, Ogunmola was described to Adodo as someone with significant experience helping people secure endorsements and complete visa applications. Encouraged by the introduction, Adodo entered into an agreement for a service fee of £4,500—£3,150 paid upfront and the balance due upon completion of services.

According to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the consultancy focused on securing endorsement from Tech Nation, a designated UK endorsing body for tech professionals under the Global Talent visa scheme. Adodo hoped the service would include help compiling evidence, guidance on writing public-facing articles, and general strategic support.

Ogunmola reportedly promised a five-month support timeline with regular weekly check-ins. However, Adodo said these meetings frequently did not occur and he often adjusted his schedule, including skipping work shifts, to accommodate appointments that never took place.

“Right after I paid, we were supposed to have regular sessions, but it turned into a cycle of excuses and missed appointments,” he said.

As communication waned, Adodo requested a refund. He stated that Ogunmola agreed to process it within 7 to 9 working days. However, as of the time of reporting, no refund had been received, and further attempts to reach Ogunmola had gone unanswered.

FIJ noted that messages sent to Ogunmola’s WhatsApp were marked as delivered but had not received a reply.

The incident highlights the importance of due diligence when engaging immigration consultants or independent advisors. Applicants are encouraged to verify credentials, request service agreements in writing, and seek support from regulated immigration professionals when available.

Credits: Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ.ng)