Nigerian arrested in Guyana for forging visa and extension of stay documents

A 31-year-old Nigerian national, Arinze Reginald Odunze, was arrested on Wednesday at the Central Immigration and Passport Office in Georgetown after attempting to extend his stay in Guyana using forged immigration documents. Odunze was charged on Friday with uttering a forged document and conspiracy to commit a felony under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

According to authorities, Odunze arrived in Guyana on November 25, 2024, aboard Copa Flight #CM190, and presented a forged Ministry of Home Affairs Employment Visa on Arrival Letter to immigration officials at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

The letter, which was purportedly issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, allowed him to stay in the country for three months, until February 24, 2025. However, it was later discovered that the document was a forgery.

On March 19, 2025, Odunze returned to the Central Immigration and Passport Office, where he presented another forged document—this time a Ministry of Home Affairs Work Permit/Extension of Stay Letter—along with his Nigerian passport, attempting to extend his stay. This document was also identified as a fake.

Following the discovery, a report was made, and Odunze was arrested and charged. He appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Her Worship Magistrate Annette Singh, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was subsequently remanded to prison, with the case adjourned to April 11, 2025, for disclosure at Georgetown Magistrate Court #5.

Additionally, a charge of uttering a forged document in relation to the visa on arrival letter presented at Cheddi Jagan International Airport will be filed at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court next week.