Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom have staged a protest against fraudulent Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) schemes, which have left many victims stranded, jobless, and in financial ruin.
The demonstration took place on Marsham Street, London, on Thursday, with protestors calling on the UK Home Office to take decisive action against those behind the widespread CoS scam.
"Enough is Enough" – Protesters Speak Out
Leading the protest was Christiana Olabisi, popularly known as Ferrari, who used a megaphone to mobilize victims, urging them to speak up against fraudulent agents and companies.
"No more scamming! Enough is enough. Whether you like it or not, all of you are going to get reported. This is a country where you can speak up. Don’t let anyone scare you with deportation," she declared.
A protest banner displayed the faces of 30 suspected fraudsters, identified as individuals involved in CoS-related scams, with claims that they had extorted thousands of pounds from desperate migrants.
How the CoS Scam Works
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a UK visa scheme designed to allow licensed organizations to hire foreign workers legally. However, fraudulent companies and agents have turned it into a lucrative scam, demanding as much as £20,000 from job seekers, only to leave them without employment or with fake sponsorship documents.
Some victims quit their jobs, sold properties, and borrowed money to secure CoS visas, only to arrive in the UK jobless and stranded. Many now depend on food banks for survival.
Victims Share Their Painful Experiences
During the TikTok live stream of the protest, hundreds of affected individuals joined in, sharing their devastating experiences:
- Caller 1: "My friend and his family paid £15,000 for a CoS. When they arrived in Manchester, they paid even more to another person. But nothing came out of it."
- Ehizojie Joy: "I’ve been in the UK for two years, yet my employer hasn’t given me shifts after I paid £10,000."
- Unnamed victim: "I paid £12,000, and now the company won’t take my calls."
- Musa Eunice: "My cousin was scammed of £20,000. Wicked people!"
- Sovereign_ruler: "My mother has been in pain after being scammed out of her hard-earned money."
- Juicy.cake1: "I got duped £3,000. The person who scammed me is on the list."
UK Media Reports Highlight Growing Scam Crisis
International media, including Sky News and Daily Mail, have previously exposed rampant exploitation in the UK’s skilled worker visa system.
In 2024, an undercover investigation led to the arrest of a Baptist minister, who admitted to charging £9,000 for fake CoS jobs.
One migrant told reporters: "I paid £6,000 cash for a CoS but never got the job."
Scam Suspect Denies Allegations, Seeks Legal Redress
One of the 30 individuals named on the protest banner, Mojisola, has denied all allegations. She confirmed that she has taken legal action in the King’s Bench Division of the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
"The allegations made against me on social media are completely false. Since this matter is now before the court, I will not make further comments," she told Sunday PUNCH.
UK Home Office and NiDCOM Respond
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) acknowledged the growing concern over visa scams, advising victims to seek legal redress.
"Nigerians must use legal channels to relocate. They should protest lawfully and remain law-abiding while registering their grievances," said NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
The UK Home Office has yet to issue an official response on the matter.
What Happens Next?
With more victims coming forward, pressure is mounting on UK authorities to crack down on fraudulent CoS schemes. Meanwhile, victims continue to struggle financially, hoping for justice and possible refunds.
The protest highlights deep frustrations within the Nigerian community in the UK, as many demand an end to visa exploitation and stricter enforcement against fraudulent recruiters.
