In a significant public interest case, solicitor Dele Olawanle secured justice for Emmanuel Opeyemi Makinde, a UK-based student whose spouse visa application was wrongly refused due to a fabricated marriage claim which he was unaware of despite the purported wife living in the UK.
Makinde’s application to bring his wife to the UK was denied after immigration records falsely indicated he was already married to a woman named Dolapo Yussuf. The entry was fraudulently inserted by an agent, Shitta Aderibigbe, who is currently facing criminal prosecution in Nigeria. Makinde had no knowledge of Yussuf, who was also residing in the UK as at the time of the application.
Despite his repeated pleas, the Home Office revoked Makinde’s right to remain and refused his wife’s entry clearance. Olawanle challenged the decision, and approximately three months ago, the Home Office agreed to settle and reconsider the case. The refusal was overturned, restoring Makinde’s immigration status and allowing his wife to join him.
The case highlights the devastating impact of administrative fraud and the importance of legal advocacy in immigration matters. Makinde, who endured months of distress, urged others facing similar injustices not to give up. His solicitor described the outcome as a victory for truth and due process.
The case also highlight the often difficult decisions faced by Home Office workers which takes painstaking attention and professionalism to resolve oftentimes.
Kudos to the Home Office staff for ensuring the victim was not unfairly punished.
UK Home Office Picture from Gov.uk
