…..as Accuser Withdraws Legal Case
The Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barrister Ugochi Madueke, has strongly denied recent allegations linking her to a purported visa fraud scandal involving members of the state’s cultural troupe.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, Madueke described the claims as “false, defamatory, and deeply malicious,” asserting that the entire controversy was an orchestrated attempt to discredit her and derail the ministry’s cultural development efforts.
The controversy erupted following reports that 34 Enugu indigenes were allegedly involved in a visa scam tied to a proposed cultural performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in France. According to Madueke, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism was officially invited to participate in cultural events scheduled alongside the Olympics, and all preparations, including visa applications, were conducted through appropriate diplomatic channels.
However, she confirmed that the French Embassy denied the visa applications—a development she said was beyond the ministry’s control and devoid of any fraudulent or improper conduct.
“I wish to categorically deny the fabricated allegations that I received payments from individuals, forged documents, or colluded to extort funds,” she stated. “All processes were official, documented, and verifiable. At no point did I authorize or engage in the collection of money from any individuals for visa procurement.”
The commissioner emphasized that no funds were transferred to any personal account of hers and that the ministry maintained strict adherence to official procedures.
Madueke revealed that the originator of the allegations has since withdrawn the legal case, signaling what she termed “a clear indication of the baselessness of the claims.” Nonetheless, she disclosed that she has instructed her legal team to pursue further legal actions against those behind the “slanderous publication” and has petitioned law enforcement and cybercrime agencies for a thorough investigation.
She urged the public to disregard the “false narrative” and affirmed her continued commitment to transparency and professionalism in promoting Enugu’s cultural heritage.
“No amount of blackmail or false accusations will derail our mission to empower our creative sector and reposition Enugu State as a leading cultural and tourism destination,” she concluded.
