SaharaReporters learnt from a source who works with a travel agency that Iyere allegedly defrauded the company and its clients of ₦8million under the pretext of facilitating their participation in an international fundraising programme in Europe.
A self-acclaimed partner with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has been accused of defrauding some Nigerians of ₦8 million under the pretext of facilitating their participation in an international fundraising programme in Europe.
SaharaReporters learnt from a source who works with a travel agency that Iyere allegedly defrauded the company and its clients of ₦8million under the pretext of facilitating their participation in an international fundraising programme in Europe.
In a petition obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the source identified only as Oyebade alleged that Iyere had been parading himself as an official partner of the ministry and exploiting the ministry’s reputation to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, particularly young people, seeking overseas opportunities.
According to him, his firm, Joe Richmond Travels entered into the agreement after Iyere claimed to be working with the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs through the Youth Integrated Economic Development Programme (YIEDEP).
Banking on the purported government affiliation, the travel firm paid ₦8 million on behalf of two clients who were billed to participate in a Europe-based fundraising campaign scheduled for September and October 2025.
But Oyebade said the deal collapsed after both clients were denied access to all the events Iyere had promised.
“Our clients showed great interest in joining the fundraising campaign in Europe for September and October, respectively, but to our utmost amazement, neither of our clients was able to attend any fundraising events as promised,” Oyebade said.
He added that when the company raised concerns over the red flags, Iyere doubled down on his assurances and insisted the programme was legitimate and endorsed by the ministry — not a “racketeering scheme.”
However, the travel firm said everything fell apart when Iyere allegedly refused to honour commitments, issue refunds, or respond to calls and messages.
“It became a rude shock that Mr Iyere has consistently refused to refund and even refused to honour any of our calls or messages since October,” the petition reads.
Oyebade asserted that the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs was contacted to intervene but “nothing was done,” leaving the company and victims stranded.
He appealed to security authorities to step in urgently, recover the funds, and prevent more young Nigerians from falling prey to similar schemes disguised as empowerment or international development opportunities.
Speaking with SaharaReporters last week, Iyere promised to make a refund within days,.
But after waiting for days, SaharaReporters can confirm that he has yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.