Four members of a Nigerian gang have been sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison after being found guilty of forging more than 2,000 marriage certificates, enabling people to live illegally in the UK. The sentencing occurred at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The suspects, identified as Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54), were involved in an organized criminal group that operated between March 2019 and May 2023. According to the UK Home Office, the group made fraudulent applications to the EU Settlement Scheme on behalf of Nigerian nationals, providing false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation to help these individuals remain in the country illegally.
The investigation, a joint effort between the UK Home Office and authorities in Lagos, Nigeria, uncovered the extent of the criminal operation. The group facilitated over 2,000 false marriage documents, exploiting the EU Settlement Scheme to manipulate the immigration system. The scheme was designed to protect the residency rights of EU citizens and their family members following Brexit, but the gang hijacked it for illegal purposes.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the gang charged significant sums of money to provide these fraudulent documents, preying on the vulnerabilities of those desperate to secure their status in the UK. The judge condemned their actions, highlighting the serious implications of their criminal activities on the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
In addition to their prison sentences, the defendants are expected to face deportation back to Nigeria upon completing their sentences.
The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on immigration fraud and ensuring that those who exploit the system are brought to justice.
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