Four Nigerian gang members have been sentenced to a combined total of 13 years in prison for their involvement in creating over 2,000 fake marriage certificates, allowing Nigerian citizens to reside illegally in the UK.
The group, consisting of Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31, and Adekunle Kabir, 54, carried out fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerian nationals between March 2019 and May last year, according to the Home Office.
The gang’s activities were uncovered through a joint investigation conducted by the Home Office and its international operations based in Lagos, Nigeria.
The probe revealed over 2,000 false marriage documents, including Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates, that were used to support fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The four were convicted and sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court, with sentences ranging from nine months to six years, reflecting the seriousness of their crimes.
Onifade, from Gravesend, received the harshest sentence of six years in prison, while Shodipo, from Manchester, was sentenced to five years. Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was handed an 18-month prison term, and Kabir, from London, was jailed for nine months.
Onifade and Shodipo were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.
Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation, while Kabir was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception.
Home Office Chief Immigration Officer Paul Moran praised the convictions as a significant triumph, highlighting the importance of protecting the integrity of the UK’s borders.
“This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice,” said Moran.
“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.”
He added, “We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”
