UK jails Nigerians for forging certificates

Four members of a Nigerian gang have been jailed in the UK for forging 2,000 marriage certificates.

These certificates allow people to stay illegally in the UK.

Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi and Adekunle Kabir were sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison on Tuesday following a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Between March 2019 and May 2023, the suspects are alleged to have conspired to make fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.

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They provided false Nigerian marriage certificates and other fraudulent documentation in support of Nigerian citizens’ applications to remain in the UK.

During an investigation led by Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigators, in collaboration with Home Office International Operations in Lagos, more than 2,000 false marriage documents forged by the gang were discovered.

“This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to violate our borders and has rightly been brought to justice.

“Like many of the gangs we come across, their only priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team were able to disrupt their operation and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who prey on people’s desperation to remain in the UK.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and tackle the gangs that exploit vulnerable people to make money,” said Paul Moran, the Home Office’s head of immigration.

Onifade and Shodipo were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate fraud and conspiracy to provide articles for use in fraud.

Kabir was found guilty of possessing an identity document with wrongful intent, but was acquitted of obtaining a residence permit through deception.

Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining a residence permit by deception and fraud by false representation.