An acclaimed UK-based Nigerian lawyer, Dele Olawanle, has emphasized the importance of legally traveling abroad.
In a video shared on Twitter, the expert debunked the misconception that resorting to deceit or shady practices is the only route to international travel success.
According to him, the ever-evolving world presents numerous legal pathways that can safely take people beyond borders, without compromising their integrity or breaking the bank.
He said; “If you want to travel abroad, it is a very easy process, it’s not difficult. Some people have the mentality that if you don’t go in a doggy way or lie, you cannot travel. Look, the world is changing. There are many legal ways of traveling out of your country without putting yourself in a mess or spending millions of naira.”
The expert asserted that nobody needs to fall prey to false notions that coerce them into fraudulent activities or drain their hard-earned funds.
To travel abroad, many individuals have unwittingly become victims of scammers and fraudsters who manipulate their personal information on travel applications.
He added; “A lot of persons have fallen into the hand of scammers and fraudsters that are making applications and putting information that you don’t know and when you get to the airport, you don’t have a clue of the information on the application of who they made your husband, wife or children and let me tell you that’s prison direct.”
Cautioning against misinformation and deceit, the expert expressed concern for those who have unknowingly fallen into traps set by con artists.
Many individuals have found themselves incarcerated for crimes they never committed or were unaware of.
The repercussions are severe and far-reaching, with consequences ranging from prison sentences and criminal records to the loss of life savings, the forced sale of property, and even deportation.
He noted that seeking legal advice before submitting any application is paramount, even if someone claiming to be an agent insists there’s no need to worry.
In his words; “So, a lot of people are in prison today for what they didn’t do or what they knew nothing about. Get legal advice before you make any application even if you get someone who is an agent is telling you not to worry, worry! You should worry because you are the one that will go to prison, waste your money, have a criminal record, spend all your life savings, sell your house, and be deported.
“Or you get to the United Kingdom and you are not able to work or do anything after you have left your job un Nigeria, sold your lands or house and taken loans and you get here and you don’t even have a place to live.”
The video message shed light on the deceptive practices employed by certain agents who, despite their claims, may lack firsthand experience of international travel.
And it further highlights the urgency for individuals to exercise caution and discernment, ensuring they do not become unwitting victims of scams or illegitimate practices.
By seeking legal advice and guidance, individuals can navigate the complexities of international travel with confidence and peace of mind.
The lawyer concluded by urging viewers to avoid unnecessary stress and pressure, reminding them of the importance of obtaining professional legal counsel.
“It’s not as easy as they tell you because even some of your agents have never left their country of origin. A lot of you are going to prison for nothing. Stop putting yourself through unnecessary pressure. Get legal advice and be guided. Don’t go to prison and lose everything you have saved.”
In doing so, individuals can safeguard their future, prevent the loss of their hard-earned savings, and evade the potential pitfalls of an ill-prepared journey.
See the video below;
Immigrants beware. Some of you are not being wise and going to prison foolishly #delsolicitors #deleolawanle pic.twitter.com/n6RCtVbECl
— Dele Olawanle (@dolawanle) June 30, 2023