MY OWN SIDE OF THE STORY.

By Felix Isere, Esq.

I have watched with concern as my name has been dragged through the mud. Initially, I chose not to respond, but after carefully reviewing Bright’s video, I believe it is necessary to set the record straight. Let me be clear: the visa applications in question were never handled by me directly. My only involvement was facilitating the engagement of a Ghanaian lawyer to assist them.

*Clarifications on the Allegations*

1. Assisting Nigerians with Visa Applications

For the past three years, I have successfully assisted many Nigerians primarily from Edo State who had legitimate reasons to travel for education, work, or leisure. While some faced initial challenges settling in, as is common for new migrants, many are now thriving abroad.

2. *Bright’s Request for Assistance*

In January 2024, Bright Imafidon approached me, seeking help to remain in the UK legally as his visa was due to expire in few weeks. His situation was complicated because he had abandoned his studies, making it difficult to switch to another visa category. According to him, he came to me because of testimonies and referrals from people I have earlier helped. Initially, I declined, but after my sister who had rented an apartment from his family appealed on his behalf, I agreed to explore options.

3. *Engaging a Ghanaian Immigration Lawyer*

Since I was unable to handle his case personally, I told Bright I know a Ghanaian lawyer, Frederick, who specializes in human rights applications who can assist . The lawyer was initially hesitant to work with Nigerians due to past experiences, but I assured him that Bright and others were personally known to me. An agreement was reached for him to process their applications through me.

4. *Payment and Application Process*

 • Bright Imafidon made an initial payment of £5,000 directly to the lawyer’s Lloyds Bank account. However, the lawyer later refused to accept further payments from Bright and others, stating that I should handle financial transactions with my people directly.

 • Applications were submitted for Bright, his wife, and their two children. It was clearly communicated in writing that the process was not guaranteed, and that the payment covered the application process, not an assured visa approval. The only guarantee was that they would receive a Certificate of Application (COA), allowing them to remain in the UK legally for up to 15 months or more.

 • Bright Imafidon acknowledged this and agreed to proceed, as he had no other legal option to stay in the UK.

5. *Additional Referrals by Bright Imafidon*

 • After receiving his COA as promised, which secured his legal stay in the UK along with his family, Bright introduced more people, including his friends and relatives. I reminded him in writing to ensure they understood that the process was not guaranteed, and he confirmed that he had done so. There is evidence to support this.

 • Blessing, the first person who made a video against me, had her application refused not because it was fake as Bright alleged, but due to Home Office decisions. The refusal letter never questioned the legitimacy of the application or any submitted documents. This decision is available as evidence.

 • Joseph, another applicant who applied from Dubai with his family, later withdrew his application due to delays.

6. *Bright’s acted as Agent*

 • Bright acted as an intermediary, negotiating prices with applicants and collecting payments directly from them. Neither I nor the lawyer had direct financial dealings with these individuals. For the individuals who dealth directly with Bright as their agent to leave him and start dragging me shows I am the easy target as a public officer. 

I didn’t bother to ask Bright whether he was not over charging them because that was not my concern , but I ensured I wrote to him to ensure he has communicated to them what the lawyer said about the fact that the application was not guaranteed , though people outside UK may have high chance of getting it approved more than People inside UK because the lawyer even sent evidence of the successful applications he has one. This evidence are also available.

7. *Refund Requests and Blackmail Attempts*

 • Following my appointment as Special Adviser to the Edo State , Bright and others began demanding refunds. I engaged the lawyer, but he refused to issue any refunds, reiterating that success was never guaranteed. We even had several conference calls together with the lawyer but he still chose to refund. 

 • Despite this, I took personal responsibility and initiated refunds from my own funds to those who had not benefited at all. For example:

 • I refunded ₦5,000,000 to one applicant in Nigeria and committed to settling the remaining balance of ₦2,850,000 for an application that was never submitted.

 • I communicated a refund plan to Joseph, who had requested for his application to be withdrawn.

 • However, Bright, who had already benefited from the process, also demanded a refund because I agreed to do refunds to those outside the UK he brought, which was unreasonable to me.

 • When I refused, they resorted to blackmail, sending receipts and voice notes to political figures and fabricating threats from TheVeryDarkMan to threaten me. As a result, I halted all further refunds and filed a petition with the IGP Force Headquarters and Interpol. This was not an act of intimidation but a necessary step for my safety. I believe that anyone with a genuine complaint should report to the appropriate authorities rather than resort to social media attacks, which often lead to jungle justice.

8. *Political Exploitation of the Issue*

 • It is evident that individuals with political or personal vendettas have seized this opportunity to attack my reputation. For them, this is either revenge or an attempt to bring me down.

 • Contrary to rumors, no funds from these applications were used to build my house. My house was opened in February 2024, while the first applications began in January 2024. Dr. Tom Obaseki, Chief Engr. Owen Obaseki, Hon. Valentine Asuen, Mr Osahon Obaraye, Hon.Pius Alile, Comrade Godwin Erhahon and and others who attended my house opening can confirm this.

 • It is unreasonable for anyone to question how I built my house when I have successfully processed over 65 UK visa applications and worked hard with my wife to earn a living. To label me a scammer because a few applications were refused applications I did not even personally handle is unfair and painful.

*Resolution and Moving Forward*

To put an end to this controversy and following interventions from prominent Edo individuals, while the lawyer remains unwilling to issue refunds, I have decided to resume the refund process for those who genuinely deserve it, now that I am protected from further blackmail.

I sincerely appreciate those who have supported me, those who still believe in my integrity, and even those who have criticized me. Public service comes with scrutiny, and I am committed to learning from this experience. Moving forward, I will exercise greater care and due diligence when dealing with people. 

I hold no grudges against Bright, Blessing, or anyone who attempted to tarnish my image. However, I will not allow myself to be blackmailed or extorted simply because I am now a public official. I leave them to God and their conscience to judge all of us.

Thank you all for your understanding.