Woolwich Crown Court in London has sentenced four Nigerians to prison for their involvement in an extensive scheme that forged over 2,000 marriage certificates to illegally assist Nigerian nationals in remaining in the United Kingdom.
The sentences, ranging from six months to six years, were handed down on Tuesday.
The convicted individuals—Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54)—were found guilty of various charges related to the production of fraudulent documents aimed at exploiting the European Union Settlement Scheme.
The fraudulent activities were carried out between March 2019 and May 2023. The UK Home Office, which led the investigation in collaboration with its international operations team based in Lagos, Nigeria, uncovered that the gang provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other documentation to support the fraudulent applications.
Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer of the UK Home Office, described the group as “absolutely prolific” in their efforts to “abuse our borders.” He added, “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. We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”
Sentencing Details:
- Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade from Gravesend was sentenced to six years in prison. He was found guilty 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 the same charges.
- Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi from Bolton was sentenced to six years in prison for obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.
- Adekunle Kabir from London was sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of possessing an identity document with the improper intention to deceive.
