4 Nigerians Sentenced to Prison for Forging Over 2,000 Marriage Certificates in UKFour Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a large-scale scam that saw the forgery of over 2,000 marriage certificates.

The fraudulent activities, which spanned from March 2019 to May 2023, were aimed at helping Nigerian nationals live illegally in the United Kingdom.

The convicted individuals 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 on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

The Home Office's investigation, conducted in both the UK and Lagos, uncovered the extensive network behind the scam. 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. 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."

The investigation revealed that the group specialized in making false applications to the EU Settlement Scheme using forged Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other falsified documents.

Sky News reported that the Home Office's efforts led to the discovery of more than 2,000 fake marriage certificates facilitated by the group.

Onifade, from Gravesend, and Shodipo, from Manchester, received sentences of six and five years, respectively, for conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.

Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was sentenced to six years for obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.

Kabir, from London, received a nine-month sentence for possession of an identity document with improper intention.

4 Nigerians Sentenced to Prison for Forging Over 2,000 Marriage Certificates in UK