Four Nigerians Sentenced in the UK for Forging Over 2,000 Marriage Certificates

In a significant crackdown on immigration fraud, four Nigerians have been sentenced in the United Kingdom after being found guilty of forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to facilitate illegal residency.

The individuals, identified as Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54), were all sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London. Their sentencing marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation led by the UK Home Office, which uncovered their involvement in a sophisticated scheme aimed at exploiting the EU Settlement Scheme.

Between March 2019 and May 2023, the group forged Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documents to help numerous individuals unlawfully obtain the right to live in the UK. The Home Office’s investigation, which spanned both the UK and Lagos, revealed that the group was responsible for more than 2,000 falsified marriage documents.

Paul Moran, the UK Home Office’s Chief Immigration Officer, commented on the case, stating, “This group was relentless in their exploitation of our immigration system for financial gain. Their actions undermined the integrity of our borders, but thanks to the diligent work of our team, their operation has been dismantled, and they have been brought to justice.”

Onifade, based in Gravesend, Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were each found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide fraudulent documents. They were sentenced to six and five years in prison, respectively.

Gbadamosi, residing in Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation. She received a six-year prison sentence.

Kabir, from London, faced a nine-month sentence after being convicted of possessing an identity document with improper intent. He was, however, acquitted of charges related to obtaining leave to remain by deception.

The convictions serve as a stark warning to those engaged in or contemplating similar fraudulent activities. The UK government, as Moran emphasized, remains committed to securing its borders and dismantling criminal networks that prey on vulnerable individuals in desperate situations. These sentences underscore the seriousness with which the UK treats immigration fraud and its determination to uphold the integrity of its immigration system.