AN immigration officer illegally issued scores of visas to immigrants allowing them to stay in the UK.

Samuel Shoyeju, 53, of Namur Road, Canvey, worked as an entry clearance officer in Croydon for the UK Border Agency.

He has been warned he faces a lengthy jail term after he admitted misconduct in a public office.

Shoyeju appeared at Basildon Crown Court, and pleaded guilty to one charge of wilful misconduct, by granting indefinite leave to remain to non-EU nationals who did not qualify under immigration laws before April 30, 2008.

Few details of the offence were heard in court, but prosecutors said there was evidence Shoyeju had received payments of tens of thousands of pounds into his bank account.

It is understood the visas were granted to Africans, particularly people living in Nigeria, and wanting to live and work in the UK.

Shoyeju, who wore black glasses and a light grey suit, has been remanded in custody to await sentencing.

A string of six other alleged offences, including counts of money laundering, were dropped against the father-of-three.

His co-defendant, Violet Savizon, an immigration officer, 47, from Dagenham, will go on trial next week, accused of immigration offences.

Lucy Kennedy, prosecuting, said there was documentary evidence showing payments of tens of thousands going into Shoyeju’s accounts.

She said: “There is an inference to be drawn in that Mr Shoyeju did receive funds.

“The fact is, we do not know why he was doing it. For the purposes of sentencing the Crown say the most critical point is the vast breach of trust.”

The Crown said there was evidence of two people who were given counterfeit “indefinite leave to remain” letters which Shoyeju had made.

Stephen Linehan QC, for Shoyeju, said: “My case has always been that he did not do this for money. There is absolutely no doubt about it.”

Shoyeju will be sentenced at a later date, most likely once the outcome of Savizon’s case has been concluded.