Four Nigerians Jailed in UK for Forging Over 2,000 Marriage Documents
Four Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to prison in the United Kingdom for orchestrating a scheme that forged over 2,000 marriage certificates, enabling illegal residency in the country.
The individuals—Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54)—received their sentences at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday. According to PulseNets, the Home Office identified the group as members of an organized criminal network that submitted fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme for Nigerian nationals between 2019 and 2023.
This operation involved creating and submitting fake Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates, along with other forged documents, to allow numerous individuals to remain in the UK illegally. PulseNets also learnt that an investigation by the Home Office, in collaboration with authorities in Lagos, revealed the group’s role in facilitating over 2,000 fraudulent marriage documents.
Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, stated, “This group was relentless in their attempts to exploit our immigration system, driven solely by financial gain. Thanks to the efforts of my team, their operation was intercepted, and I hope these convictions send a clear message to other criminal gangs that we will not tolerate such exploitation.”
Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide fraudulent documents. Onifade received a six-year prison sentence, while Shodipo was sentenced to five years.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: London Court jails Nigerian three years for flogging son
Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was found guilty of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation, earning her a six-year sentence. Kabir, from London, was convicted of possessing an identity document with improper intent and sentenced to nine months in prison. He was, however, acquitted of charges related to obtaining leave to remain by deception.
PulseNets noted that the case highlights ongoing efforts by UK authorities to clamp down on organized crime networks exploiting immigration laws.
