Four Nigerians have been sentenced to prison in the UK after being found guilty of forging more than 2,000 marriage documents in a major fraud case that spanned several years.
Having been found guilty of creating over 2,000 counterfeit marriage certificates in order to aid illegal residency within the country, four Nigerian citizens have received prison sentences in the United Kingdom.
On Tuesday, 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 for their crimes.
An organized criminal network, responsible for submitting dishonest Nigerian national applications between 2019 and 2023 under the EU Settlement Scheme, was disclosed by The Home Office.
By providing counterfeit Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other deceptive paperwork, the scheme facilitated many people in unlawfully staying in the UK.
The Home Office, in conjunction with authorities from Lagos, conducted a probe that discovered how the group masterminded more than 2,000 forged marriage documents. The criminals found guilty were individuals of Nigerian descent who played crucial roles in this illicit operation.
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“This group’s fervent attempts to exploit our borders were rampant, and they have rightly faced the legal consequences,” declared Paul Moran of the Home Office as Chief Immigration Officer.
Like several gangs we come across, their primary concern was monetary profit. I am thrilled that my squad managed to intercept their enterprise and anticipate these verdicts will work as a cautionary message for unethical gang groups exploiting individuals’ desperation to stay in the UK.
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Our commitment remains unwavering in our efforts to ensure border security and curb the activities of criminal gangs that exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
Onifade, hailing from Kent’s Gravesend and Shodipo, originating in Manchester both received convictions for the offences of conspiracy to aid illegal entry into UK as well as plotting to provide articles utilized for fraud. A six-year prison term was awarded to Onifade while Shodipo was sentenced with five years behind bars.
Gbadamosi, hailing from Bolton, was found guilty of deceptive and fraudulent misrepresentation in obtaining consent to stay. As a result, she has been handed down a prison sentence for six years.
Kabir, a resident of London, was convicted for possessing an identity document with malicious intent but acquitted of fraudulently obtaining permission to reside. He received a prison sentence of nine months.
