Members of an organized crime group have been sentenced to prison for forging over 2,000 marriage certificates, enabling individuals to live in the UK illegally. Nigerian nationals Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir have received a combined total of 13 years in jail following a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court.
Between March 2019 and May 2023, the defendants conspired to create fraudulent applications for the EU Settlement Scheme. They submitted false Nigerian customary marriage certificates and other forged documents to support the residency claims of fellow Nigerian nationals seeking to remain in the UK.
An investigation led by Home Office criminal and financial investigators, alongside Home Office international operations based in Lagos, revealed the scale of the operation, uncovering more than 2,000 counterfeit marriage documents.
During the trial, Onifade and Shodipo were found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate and provide articles used in fraud. Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation, while Kabir was guilty of possessing an identity document with improper intent but was acquitted of obtaining leave to remain by deception.
At the sentencing on August 27, Onifade received six years, Shodipo was sentenced to five years, Gbadamosi to 18 months, and Kabir to nine months.
Home Office Investigation Supervisor Chief Immigration Officer Paul Moran stated, “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.” He expressed satisfaction with the successful interception of the operation and emphasized the ongoing efforts to secure UK borders against gangs that exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
