Four Jailed for Forging Over 2,000 Marriage Certificates to Help Nigerians Live in the UK Illegally

In a significant crackdown on immigration fraud, four individuals have been sentenced to prison for their roles in forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to assist Nigerian nationals in illegally residing in the UK. This case, which has sent shockwaves through both the UK and Nigeria, underscores the lengths to which some will go to exploit legal loopholes for financial gain.

The four perpetrators—Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41; Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38; Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31; and Adekunle Kabir, 54—were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London after being found guilty of various charges related to their fraudulent activities. These individuals were part of an organized criminal group that systematically forged documents, including false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates, to facilitate fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.

This fraudulent activity spanned from March 2019 to May of the previous year, during which the group produced and provided forged documents to support applications by Nigerian nationals seeking to remain in the UK illegally. The scale of the operation was staggering, with over 2,000 false marriage documents being processed by the group.

The sentences handed down to the four criminals reflect the seriousness of their offenses:

* Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, was sentenced to six years in prison. He was convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.

* Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, from Manchester, received a five-year prison sentence for similar charges, including conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.

* Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.

* Adekunle Kabir, from London, was sentenced to nine months in prison for possession of an identity document with improper intention, although he was acquitted of charges related to obtaining leave to remain by deception.

The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by immigration authorities in maintaining the integrity of the UK’s borders. The forged documents allowed individuals to bypass the legal immigration process, making it more difficult for authorities to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent claims.

Paul Moran, the Home Office's Chief Immigration Officer, commented on the case, stating, "This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice. As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain." He praised the efforts of the Home Office teams in both the UK and Lagos for intercepting the operation and emphasized the importance of continuing to clamp down on such criminal activities.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime groups that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit. The convictions highlight the UK government's commitment to securing its borders and upholding the integrity of its immigration system.

For those seeking to exploit legal systems through fraudulent means, the sentences imposed in this case send a clear message: such actions will not be tolerated, and the consequences will be severe. The Home Office has reiterated its dedication to preventing similar schemes, promising to remain vigilant and continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in immigration fraud.

The jailing of these four individuals marks a significant victory in the fight against immigration fraud. The scale and sophistication of their operation illustrate the challenges faced by authorities in combating such crimes, but it also demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between international and domestic law enforcement agencies. As the UK continues to tighten its immigration controls, this case will likely serve as a benchmark for future prosecutions and a deterrent to those considering similar illegal activities.