A Woolwich Crown Court in London has convicted and sentenced four Nigerians for forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to illegally help people desperate to remain in the United Kingdom.
UK Home Office Chief Immigration Officer Paul Moran described the development as an exploitation of people’s desperation following the court’s ruling on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The verdict was entered against Abraham Onifade (41), Abayomi Shodipo (38), Nosimot Gbadamosi (31) and Adekunle Kabir (54).
As reported by Sky News, the Home Office alleged that the defendants were part of an organized criminal group that made fraudulent European Union Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerians.
The defendants implemented this through the provision of false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation aimed at helping applicants remain in the country.
With the UK prosecution having closed its case, the court found Onifade and Shodipo guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK while conspiring to provide articles used in fraud. They were sentenced to six years and five years of imprisonment, respectively.
Gbadamosi was jailed for six years for deception and fraud by false representation while Kabir was jailed for six months after being found guilty of possessing an identity document with improper intention to deceive.
Paul Moran, the Home Office Chief Immigration Officer, reacted to the conviction, saying that the group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse UK borders, adding that they have rightly been brought to justice.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money,” he assured.
The UK Home Office acknowledges the moves by foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to live in its land, but it insists on legal entry.
He described this as a surge in demand for British education.
-THE NATION
