Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom have staged a protest against the increasing cases of Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scams targeting immigrants.
The demonstrators gathered on Marsham Street, London, on Thursday, calling for action against fraudulent individuals exploiting desperate job seekers. A live video on TikTok captured one of the protesters, Christiana Olabisi, popularly known as Ferrari, urging victims to come forward.
“No more scamming. Enough is enough. If anyone has collected money from you, now is the time to speak up. Don’t let anyone scare you with deportation,” she declared.
A banner displayed at the protest listed 30 alleged fraudsters with their photographs, warning against their activities. The banner, originally circulated online, was titled Say No to UK CoS Scam and accused individuals of extorting thousands of pounds from unsuspecting victims.
Victims Share Their Ordeals
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) scheme allows licensed UK organisations to hire foreign workers legally. However, reports indicate that fraudulent agents and companies have been exploiting this system, charging exorbitant fees for non-existent job placements.
Some victims recounted how they sold properties or took loans to fund their relocation, only to arrive in the UK and find no employment. Many are now stranded, relying on food banks for survival.
One victim narrated how his friend paid £15,000 for a CoS but ended up defrauded. Another, Ehizojie Joy, revealed she had been in the UK for two years with no work despite paying £10,000. Others shared similar experiences, with amounts lost ranging from £3,000 to £20,000.
A content creator, Musa Eunice, disclosed that her cousin was scammed out of £20,000. “Wicked people,” she lamented.
CoS Fraud Under Scrutiny
Reports of CoS-related fraud have been on the rise. In August 2023, Sky News exposed cases of Africans being exploited through fake job offers. Similarly, the Daily Mail in 2024 investigated a Baptist minister who admitted on camera to charging £9,000 for arranging jobs within days.
One migrant recounted how he paid £6,000 in cash for a CoS at an office in North West England but never received the sponsorship.
Accused Denies Allegations
One of the individuals named in the protest, Mojisola, denied any involvement in the scam. She stated that she had taken legal action to clear her name, filing a case at the King’s Bench Division of the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
“The allegations against me are completely false. Since the matter is now in court, I will not comment further,” she said.
NiDCOM Advises Protesters
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) acknowledged the concerns over visa scams but stated it was unaware of the protest.
NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, urged affected Nigerians to follow legal channels for redress.
“My advice is that they should seek legal action. They must remain law-abiding as they protest and not take the law into their own hands,” he cautioned.