Court Picks February 18 to Decide if UK-Based Witness Can Testify via Video in Messy Visa Marriage Scam Trial

A high-stakes legal battle over how international witnesses should give evidence has hit the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi. At the center of the storm is Shitta Waliu Aderibigbe, a travel agent accused of pulling the strings in a fraudulent marriage scheme that nearly cost a Nigerian man his residency in the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, the court was asked to weigh in on a modern legal dilemma: can a victim of fraud testify from thousands of miles away using a webcam? The prosecution, representing the Inspector-General of Police, is pushing hard for the complainant, Mr. Emmanuel Opeyemi Makinde, to be allowed to give his testimony virtually from his base in the UK.

According to the charge sheet, Aderibigbe and his firm, Fanzine Educational Consult, allegedly lied to the British Embassy by claiming Mr. Makinde was married to one Dolapo Yusuf. The police say this wasn’t just a “white lie” but a calculated move that triggered deportation proceedings against Makinde, who was blindsided by the “fake marriage” linked to his name.

While the prosecution argues that flying a witness across continents is a logistical nightmare, the defense is digging in its heels. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Aderibigbe’s lawyer made it clear that they intend to fight the request for virtual testimony, though she requested more time to prepare her formal opposition.

Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo has now adjourned the matter to February 18, 2026. On that day, the court will rule on whether the trial will proceed via a digital link or if the complainant must physically stand in a Nigerian courtroom to face his alleged defrauder.

Aderibigbe, who maintains his innocence, remains out on a ₦1 million bail. As the February 18 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the court to see if it will embrace “digital justice” or stick to traditional face-to-face cross-examination in a case that has highlighted the growing complexities of international visa fraud.