Four Nigerian nationals have been convicted and sentenced by Woolwich Crown Court in London for producing and using over 2,000 forged marriage certificates to aid individuals in unlawfully staying in the United Kingdom.
The defendants—Abraham Onifade, Abayomi Shodipo, Nosimot Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir were found guilty of multiple charges, including fraud and conspiracy.
The Home Office alleged that the group was involved in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications under the European Union Settlement Scheme for Nigerian nationals.
The defendants carried out their scheme by providing fraudulent Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other false documents to assist applicants in staying in the UK.
UK Home Office Chief Immigration Officer Paul Moran condemned the exploitation of individuals’ desperation in light of the court’s decision on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The investigation, led by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement team, revealed the extensive forgery operation that occurred between March and May 2019. The defendants were arrested and charged following raids on multiple properties and the seizure of evidence.
The court found Abraham Onifade and Abayomi Shodipo guilty of conspiring to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and providing fraudulent materials. Onifade received a six-year prison sentence, while Shodipo was sentenced to five years.
Nosimot Gbadamosi was sentenced to six years in prison for deception and fraud through false representation, while Adekunle Kabir received a six-month sentence for possessing an identity document with the intent to deceive.
The Chief Immigration Officer commented on the convictions, stating that the group was highly prolific in their attempts to exploit UK border controls and affirming that justice has been served.
“As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people’s desperation to remain in the UK,” Moran assured.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”
