Enugu Commissioner Reacts To Allegation of VISA Fraud Involving State Cultural Troupe

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Ugochi Madueke, has cleared the air on the allegation that the state cultural troupe was involved in VISA fraud in a botched attempt to visit France for the 2024 Olympic Games

In a statement titled: RE: FALSE AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATIONS OF VISA FRAUD INVOLVING ENUGU STATE CULTURAL TROUPE,” the Commissioner pointed out that there was no truth in the allegation, noting that everything was done officially.

Madueke made their position known thus: “My attention has been drawn to a false and malicious article currently circulating online and on social media, alleging my involvement in a so-called visa fraud scheme involving thirty-four (34) Enugu State indigenes purportedly enlisted for a cultural performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

“Let me state the facts clearly and unequivocally:

“Yes, the Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism was officially invited to participate in cultural showcases scheduled to accompany the 2024 Olympic Games in France. As part of our preparations, the Ministry assembled a contingent of talented cultural performers and initiated the standard visa application process through appropriate diplomatic channels.

“However, despite our best efforts, the visa applications were denied by the French Embassy, a matter entirely beyond our control. At no point was there any fraudulent activity, financial extortion, or abuse of office in this process.

“I wish to categorically deny the fabricated allegations that: I received personal payments from any individual or group in relation to visa processing;  forged or facilitated any fraudulent documentation or

conspired with anyone to extort funds from citizens under false pretenses.

“These claims are false, defamatory, and deeply malicious, designed purely to tarnish my image and the work we are doing to reposition Enugu State as a cultural and tourism destination of excellence.”

To make the position clearer,  she posited that, “all processes handled by the Ministry were official, documented, and verifiable. No personal account of mine was used for any government transaction. The Ministry was never involved in collecting money from individuals for visa procurement, nor did I authorize any such activity.

“I have instructed my legal team to take immediate legal action against the originators and distributors of this slanderous publication. I have also petitioned relevant law enforcement and cybercrime agencies to investigate this coordinated attempt to defame my name and obstruct the development of our cultural sector,” she disclosed.