News

Nigerians Abroad and the Rising Trend of Fake Marriage Certificates

Published

1 month ago

Feb 16, 2025.

Favour Akeredola

Nigerians abroad are increasingly obtaining fake marriage certificates for immigration benefits.
Authorities have cracked down, sentencing individuals involved in marriage fraud.
Experts warn of severe legal, social, and financial consequences for offenders.

A Growing Concern

A disturbing trend has emerged among Nigerians abroad, fake marriage certificates are being used as a tool for immigration benefits, financial gains, and legal convenience.
This practice, though seemingly harmless to those who engage in it, carries severe legal, social, and personal consequences.

EDITOR’S PICK

The Appeal of Fake Marriage Certificates

For many Nigerians seeking greener pastures in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other foreign countries, securing legal residency is often a challenge.
In response, some turn to fraudulent means, including fake marriages, to acquire residency status.

Tayo, a young Nigerian, took this route to obtain a green card in the UK. After spending years in the country, he was advised to secure permanent residency by getting married.
Without a genuine partner, he opted for a fake marriage certificate. For years, this strategy worked, until he was caught, leading to legal battles and possible deportation.

Legal Consequences and Convictions

The UK has been cracking down on such fraudulent activities.
Four Nigerians, Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir, were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for issuing over 2,000 fake marriage certificates.
They were sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison. These convictions highlight the risks involved in using fraudulent marriage certificates for immigration purposes.

Ethical and Social Implications

Marriage counselors and legal experts strongly condemn the practice. Lagos-based marriage counselor, Mrs. Shukurat Badmus, calls it both illegal and immoral, emphasizing that it undermines the integrity of marriage.
Another counselor, Joe Bollore, acknowledges that while some view fake marriage certificates as a “necessary evil,” they remain unethical and legally risky.

Students and young professionals share similar concerns. Miss Oyenike Bello, a university student, argues that marriage is a sacred institution and should not be used as a tool for immigration fraud.
Jide Oluboye, who has been married for 15 years, believes that fake wedding certificates are often used as a shortcut for those unwilling to go through the legal and financial commitments of a real marriage.

The Pressure to Stay Legal Abroad

A viral video by content creator Dr. Shola sheds light on why many Nigerians engage in fake marriages. He explains that staying legally in countries like the US and the UK requires obtaining a green card.
Many individuals, he notes, enter into fake marriages for the sole purpose of acquiring legal residency. Some even divorce their fake spouses after a few years and bring their real partners from Nigeria.

Another content creator, Tosin Akingbade (Citizen Tosin), highlights the challenges Nigerians face in the UAE, where work permits remain difficult to obtain. This situation forces many men to rely on their wives’ visa permits, leading some to consider fake marriages as an alternative.

The Risks Involved

Human rights activist Dr. Efe Anaughe warns of the legal consequences of obtaining fake marriage certificates.
Nigeria’s complex marriage laws, which include the Marriage Act of 1990, Islamic Law, and Customary Law, make fraudulent marriages a punishable offense. Those caught could face up to five years in prison, hefty fines, deportation, and social stigma.

Beyond legal consequences, fake marriages can also lead to emotional distress, financial exploitation, and complications in divorce, inheritance, and child custody cases.
Fraudulent marriages damage not only individual lives but also the integrity of immigration and marriage systems.

Government and Legal Reforms

In response to this growing problem, the Nigerian government is taking action. Steps being implemented include:
– Digitization of marriage records to make verification easier.
– Strengthening verification processes to prevent fraud.
– Increasing public awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of fake marriages.
– Enhancing collaboration between agencies to track and prosecute offenders.

Call to Action

Legal experts and marriage counselors urge Nigerians to resist the temptation of engaging in fake marriages.
Strengthening legislation, improving verification systems, and increasing public education are essential steps to curbing this fraudulent practice.

By working together, authorities and individuals can protect the sanctity of marriage and uphold the integrity of legal systems worldwide.