Business
[ICYMI] Ex-employees Narrate How UK firm’s director deceived, extorted Nigerians with fake sponsorships, care jobs
![[ICYMI] Ex-employees Narrate How UK firm’s director deceived, extorted Nigerians with fake sponsorships, care jobs](https://saharaweeklyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/uk-fake-sponsorship.jpg)
[ICYMI] Ex-employees Narrate How UK firm’s director deceived, extorted Nigerians with fake sponsorships, care jobs
In this feature, VICTOR AYENI writes about how the director of a United Kingdom-based social care recruiting agency, Lekan Ayuba, allegedly used his former employees to lure in applicants and amass wealth through dubious promises of care jobs and non-existent Certificates of Sponsorship
In the “About Us” section of the website of Click Operations, a United Kingdom-based firm, it described itself as “a healthcare recruitment agency” that helps to “recruit and re-train a team of highly trained, compassionate, and dedicated care workers” providing care throughout the UK.
A care worker, according to a British home learning website, www.ncchomelearning.co.uk, is “a trained professional who supports other people in all aspects of their daily life” which includes preparing and eating meals, socialising, physical activities, and medical support.
While some care workers work in care homes, others are employed on a contract basis in patient’s homes, while domiciliary carers travel to different people’s houses in the community.
Unfortunately, many Nigerian applicants who relied on the director of Click Operations, Lekan Ayuba, to provide them with their Certificates of Sponsorship to enable them to enter the UK, have described the claims on his agency’s website as “mere window dressing to lure in desperate people.”
According to the latest State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce Report, 9.9 per cent of positions in the care industry in the UK were vacant between 2022 and 2023, which is equivalent to 152,000 vacancies being advertised on an average day.
As a result of this shortfall, many UK employers rely on recruiting adult social care workers from other countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and India.
Some of these applicants, now stranded in Nigeria, told Saturday PUNCH that they frittered millions of naira on medical tests, international driving licences, police reports, and obtaining the CoS to travel to the UK, but Ayuba reportedly kept postponing the delivery of their CoS.
The applicants also alleged that since last year when they parted with their money, Ayuba refused to refund them and abruptly stopped communicating with them.
A travel agent, Funmilayo Dan-Musa, alleged that her 18-year-old nephew who needed to be flown to the UK for medical treatment died while Ayuba kept deceitfully delaying her after he collected monies for application, documentation, and health insurance from her.
She further stated that Ayuba had blocked her along with other primary applicants on his social media accounts and left her indebted to the people she recommended him to.
After their stories were published by Saturday PUNCH two weeks ago, some former Nigerian employees who worked with Ayuba in the UK, contacted our correspondent and accused him of using them to get more clients and amassing wealth for himself.
However, citing security reasons, the ex-employees preferred not to have their full names disclosed.
They accused Ayuba of financially extorting people by promising to issue them CoS, refusing to refund them their money, owing his former staff, and arbitrarily removing them from the company when they stopped bringing applicants to his agency.
He made money deceiving people’
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a former Business Development Manager at Click Operations, simply known as Mr Joel, said Ayuba met him in a church in 2022, where he told him that he owned a care agency and that he had lots of contracts all over the UK.
This, he alleged, was later found to be untrue, after he was employed by the agency and he realised it had only a client.
“Ayuba begged me to work with him to build the business and I agreed. He (Ayuba) would often give instructions about which accounts we were to transfer the money from applicants. Some of this money was transferred to his account, some of which he refunded but left with £180,000.
“Most of his dealings with these people were based on lies, so when these people started asking for refunds, he would deceive them. Because we didn’t have access to his lawyer, he was the only one communicating with his lawyer, so whatever he told us was what we relied upon as the director of the company.
“It was much later we realised that he wasn’t who we thought he was. Now, he has gone incommunicado; he has blocked us on WhatsApp and changed his number. He sent someone to tell us that he’s a British citizen and nobody can do anything to him. He threatened that if we ever came to his house, he would call the police on us,” Joel said.
Joel’s wife, Ruth alleged that although Ayuba made some refunds to some of the people they brought who paid for their recruitment process, he still owed them a total of £180,000.
She said, “Lekan signed a document with one of the people who paid him where he stated how much he was owing us and how he intended to fully refund. We have evidence of this.
“We held a meeting with Lekan where a clergyman tried to settle us amicably, and in this meeting, Ayuba admitted to taking the sum of £180,000 from us and promised to pay up in August 2024.
“People are dragging us left and right for recommending him to them, people are crying because of the money he withheld. What we want for Lekan Ayuba to come up and refund their money and stop hiding.”
Also speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a former manager at the company who gave her name as Deola said she became friends with Ayuba in 2020 and through her, got his firm registered with the Care Quality Commission, a government agency that regulates all health and social care services in the UK.
“Before you can run a domiciliary healthcare in the UK, you need to be regulated by the CQC and go through a registration process. You’d need a registered manager and a nominated individual. Lekan knew I had the experience and right qualifications, so he asked me to join his team and I agreed. I got his business registered in November 2023,” she revealed.
Deola alleged that Ayuba deceived her to believe that he had a contract but it was the CQC registration that was delaying it.
“He asked me to bring people to pay for the recruitment process and they gave him money. All the money I gave him was cash and he sent one of his employees to come and pick up the money from my house. That was between September 2023 and January 2024. Thousands of pounds from people were also given to Lekan which were picked up in cash under his instructions by former employees of his organisation.
“Eventually, the middleman and some individuals confronted Ayuba at his house, and the police got involved. He lied that they wanted to kidnap him. This led to the middleman’s arrest and Ayuba also accused me of being the mastermind of the kidnap, and denied collecting any money from me,” she added.
Duping the desperate
A former Director of Operations at Click Operations, Theresa Omotayo, said when she met Ayuba through a colleague, he assured her that he was building a care company, which led her to resign from her previous job and join his team.
She added, “Ayuba offered me a job with sponsorship and told me about his contracts in several parts of the UK, and his plan to provide training for international candidates that he intended to sponsor.
“It was when I joined the company that I discovered that his company didn’t have numerous contracts like he claimed. He didn’t even have the CQC accreditation to sponsor caregivers.
“He got me involved in training international candidates on soft skills, asking me to create a relevant and complete curriculum and not rush the training, as he wanted the carers to be well trained and grounded before their arrival into the country. I didn’t know he had already charged these candidates and was buying himself more time with the training.”
FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians with Single-Digit Interest Rate Loan
For millions of Nigerians, homeownership has long felt like an ambition deferred. Squeezed by rising property prices, persistent double-digit inflation and high commercial lending rates, the dream of owning a home has remained just that – a dream.
But that narrative is quietly changing. Thanks to FirstBank.
The N1 Trillion Intervention Reshaping Access
In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), FirstBank has unveiled a mortgage opportunity that could redefine access to housing finance in Nigeria.
Backed by the Federal Government’s N1trillion mortgage fund, the initiative is designed to empower Nigerians with affordable, long-term credit to own their homes.
9.75% Interest Rate in a 30% Lending Environment
MREIF is priced at 9.75% per annum, dramatically lower than prevailing commercial loan rates. Eligible Nigerians can access up to N100 million and repay within 20 years. This translates into significantly more manageable monthly repayments and greater long-term financial stability.
Built for Salary Earners, Entrepreneurs and the Diaspora
The MREIF mortgage facility has been structured to be inclusive. It is available to salary account holders, business owners and diaspora customers. Whether you are a young professional aiming to exit the rent cycle, an entrepreneur building generational stability, or you’re a Nigerian abroad looking to secure assets locally, the product opens a pathway that has historically been out of reach for many.
Taking the First Step
For those who have been waiting for the right time, this is definitely it. The question is no longer whether homeownership is possible. The real question is: will you act before the window narrows?
Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ and in no time you could be the latest homeowner in town.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
Dangote Refinery Prioritises Domestic Supply Amid Global Energy Turbulence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Nigeria insulated from international fuel shocks as Dangote Petroleum commits to uninterrupted local delivery.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the domestic market, pledging to shield Nigerians from the ripple effects of ongoing global energy disruptions. The assurance, delivered in Lagos on 5 March 2026, comes as international refinery operations experience shutdowns or reduced output due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, which have sent crude oil and petroleum product prices soaring worldwide.
“Our mandate remains clear: Nigeria’s local market takes precedence. In times of global supply shocks, we will continue to ensure that domestic availability of petrol, diesel, and kerosene is uninterrupted,” said Mr. Folorunsho Alakija, spokesperson for Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery’s declaration arrives amid mounting concerns over fuel scarcity, triggered by export restrictions imposed by major international producers, including China, and shipping delays that have further tightened global petroleum supply chains. Industry analysts have hailed the domestic focus as a critical buffer against volatility that could otherwise push Nigeria into deeper energy insecurity.
Domestic Shield Against Global Disruption
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil processing facility, has leveraged its multi-million-barrel refining capacity to mitigate Nigeria’s historical dependence on imported petroleum products. The company emphasised that prioritising local supply provides a strategic advantage in insulating the nation from international market shocks.
“Our refinery’s scale allows Nigeria to withstand short-term external disruptions. We have the infrastructure and capacity to meet local demand even when global supply chains falter,” explained Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Operations Director at Dangote Refinery.
The proactive approach is particularly significant as several international refineries have either reduced throughput or temporarily halted operations, causing a global scarcity of refined products. Experts warn that without domestic cushioning, fuel prices in Nigeria could have surged sharply, exacerbating inflationary pressures in a fragile economy.
Managing Costs While Prioritising Supply
In response to rising procurement costs for crude oil amid the international crisis, Dangote Refinery introduced a modest ₦100 per litre increase in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), absorbing roughly 20 percent of the cost escalation to lessen the impact on consumers.
“We are balancing operational sustainability with affordability. While global prices have risen sharply, we have chosen to absorb a significant portion to protect Nigerian households and businesses,” noted Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, Chief Finance Officer.
This pricing strategy underscores the refinery’s dual focus: ensuring uninterrupted supply while cushioning the public from abrupt spikes that could destabilize economic activity. Industry observers have lauded the approach as pragmatic, considering the volatility in international oil markets.
Strategic Distribution Initiatives
Beyond refining, Dangote Petroleum has initiated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks to enhance nationwide distribution efficiency. The initiative seeks to reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions while ensuring a more reliable delivery network to petrol stations across urban and rural areas.
“Logistics is a critical part of the energy supply chain. By deploying CNG-powered trucks, we reduce dependency on expensive diesel, lower delivery costs, and improve supply reliability across the country,” explained Ms. Funke Adedoyin, Head of Logistics Operations.
This strategic move reflects a broader commitment to modernising Nigeria’s petroleum distribution infrastructure, reducing bottlenecks that have historically contributed to scarcity at retail outlets.
Implications for National Energy Security
Nigeria has historically struggled with fuel imports to meet domestic demand, making the country vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Dangote Refinery’s prioritisation of local supply mitigates this vulnerability by leveraging home-grown refining capacity, which allows for timely access to petroleum products and less reliance on foreign shipments.
“With Dangote Refinery leading local prioritisation, Nigeria is less exposed to global fuel shocks. The country is moving towards self-reliance in petroleum product supply,” commented Dr. Halima Suleiman, energy sector analyst.
Experts note that sustained operations at the refinery not only enhance energy security but also preserve foreign exchange, reduce import bills, and stabilise domestic market prices.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Stability
The refinery’s commitment is part of a broader corporate responsibility framework. Dangote Petroleum continues to engage with government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring that domestic supply is coordinated with Nigeria’s Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to prevent panic buying and market distortions.
“We are in constant consultation with the government to ensure that our supply strategies align with national economic priorities,” said Mr. Alakija.
Such collaboration helps avert artificial shortages, stabilises pump prices, and maintains confidence in the domestic fuel market. Analysts argue that this approach exemplifies how private sector capabilities can complement governmental policies to enhance national resilience.
Navigating Global Uncertainties
The refinery operates in a complex global environment, where geopolitical crises, shipping constraints, and crude oil volatility can trigger disruptions. Dangote Petroleum’s domestic-first approach positions Nigeria to weather such crises more effectively.
“Global uncertainties are unavoidable, but our infrastructure and strategy ensure that Nigerians remain insulated from immediate shocks,” said Mr. Okonkwo.
This emphasis on resilience aligns with global best practices, where national refining capacity is leveraged to protect local markets from international supply disruptions.
Stakeholder Reactions
The government, civil society, and industry stakeholders have welcomed Dangote Petroleum’s strategy. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources noted that prioritising local supply aligns with Nigeria’s energy security policies and reduces the burden of foreign exchange expenditures on crude imports.
“Dangote Refinery is demonstrating leadership. Its domestic prioritisation ensures that the Nigerian economy remains insulated during turbulent global markets,” said Dr. Tunji Olumide, Special Adviser on Energy.
Consumers have also expressed cautious optimism. Retail operators and commuters reported steadier fuel availability in Lagos and other cities, though concerns remain about sustained pricing and distribution efficiency.
The Road Ahead
While Dangote Refinery’s strategy provides immediate relief, experts argue that long-term stability requires further investments in alternative energy, diversified refining infrastructure, and strategic reserves. This ensures that Nigeria can withstand global shocks without relying excessively on imports or temporary supply adjustments.
“Short-term measures like prioritising local supply are critical, but long-term energy security demands diversification, renewables adoption, and consistent policy implementation,” said Dr. Suleiman.
The refinery is exploring additional initiatives, including expanding storage capacity, upgrading pipeline networks, and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems to ensure supply continuity across the country.
Final Take
By prioritising domestic fuel supply amid global market turbulence, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has demonstrated its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s energy sector. Through strategic logistics, modest pricing adjustments, and engagement with government regulators, the refinery is insulating the nation from international shocks while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our responsibility extends beyond profitability; it’s about ensuring Nigerians have reliable access to essential fuel. We take that mandate seriously,” concluded Mr. Adeyemi.
The refinery’s actions offer a blueprint for how large-scale domestic capacity can protect national economies in times of global energy instability, underscoring the critical intersection of private sector resilience, public policy, and national energy security.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news3 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)
-
Business7 months agoGTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion