Nigerian medical doctor and author Kelvin Alaneme has announced plans to sue the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for defamation. He strongly denies allegations that he was involved in an immigration scam through his agency, CareerEdu.
Alaneme Denies Fraud Allegations
Alaneme, accused of charging $13,000 for fake UK care job visas, insists he has never scammed or defrauded anyone. “I have never scammed or defrauded anyone in my life, and I never will,” he stated, maintaining that his agency only helps Nigerians relocate legally.
I am making this statement for all who have known me here and believe in the vision we have always shared. I have never scammed or defrauded anyone in my life. And I never will.
— Dr. Kelvin Alaneme (@kelvin_alaneme) March 31, 2025
Since we began in 2020, CareerEdu has helped over 5000 Nigerians relocate, not just to the UK 🇬🇧 but… pic.twitter.com/CNAJaQ8iDF
A BBC Africa Eye investigation claims Alaneme facilitated fraudulent UK care job placements, highlighting a surge in immigration scams since the UK expanded its visa scheme 2022 to include care workers.
Under this scheme, applicants must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer, a process that has become a target for fraudsters.
UK Government Crackdown on Visa Fraud
Between July 2022 and December 2024, the UK government revoked over 470 care sector licences, affecting more than 39,000 foreign medical professionals and care workers recruited since 2020. The BBC linked Alaneme to fraudulent relocation services, alleging that he charged Nigerians large sums for non-existent jobs.
In a secretly recorded meeting, Alaneme, believing he was speaking with a business partner in the UK care sector, attempted to recruit her, stating: “Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire.” He allegedly offered £2,000 ($2,600) per care home vacancy plus a £500 ($650) commission, with these jobs later sold to Nigerian applicants.
Investigations Into Efficiency for Care
The BBC also uncovered irregularities involving Efficiency for Care, a company linked to the scam. Between March 2022 and May 2023, Efficiency for Care issued 1,234 CoS despite having only 16 employees in 2022 and 152 in 2023.
The UK government revoked its sponsorship licence in July 2023, preventing it from hiring foreign workers.
In another secretly filmed meeting, Alaneme allegedly explained how migrants could obtain CoS for non-existent jobs, using fake payroll records to conceal the fraud.
Alleged Victim Speaks Out
One alleged victim, Praise, claimed he paid Alaneme over £10,000 ($13,000) for an Efficiency for Care in Clacton-on-Sea job, only to arrive in the UK and discover the job did not exist.
Alaneme defended his company, stating: “We are not care job employers in the UK. We have always made this clear. Our job is to link qualified employees to legitimate and licensed employers and recruiters who provide Certificates of Sponsorship.” He added that some recruiters charge extra training, transport, and accommodation fees, which are fully refundable if applicants are unsuccessful.
Alaneme Challenges BBC Report
When challenged online to sue the BBC if his business was legitimate, Alaneme responded, “We’ll do that.” He accused the BBC of bias, claiming: “If the BBC wanted to do a real story, many individuals are exploiting people, issuing fake CoS, and outrightly scamming people.
We have done none of this, yet they insist on putting out this one-sided falsehood.”
Alaneme expressed confidence that the truth would prevail, stating, “I believe that the truth will win, and posterity will vindicate the just.”
I’ve rewritten the article to enhance readability, SEO optimization, and engagement. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
