A troubling trend has emerged, undermining societal values and the sanctity of marriage: the rise of fake marriage certificates. These fraudulent documents are often used to exploit systems for immigration benefits, financial gain, social status, or legal convenience. However, individuals engaging in this deceitful practice risk severe legal and social consequences.
A Case in Point: Tayo’s Journey
Tayo, a Nigerian seeking greener pastures, turned to a marriage agent firm to secure a certificate that would enable him to live and work freely in the U.K. and other Western nations. After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Tayo believed that traveling abroad was his only path to a better future.
Upon his arrival in the U.K., he was advised to solidify his stay by obtaining a green card. Marriage appeared to be the only viable solution. With the forged marriage certificate, Tayo initially thrived in the U.K. However, eight years later, his deception was exposed, leading to devastating consequences.
Tayo’s story is far from unique. Many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad find themselves entangled in similar situations, often out of desperation.
Recent Convictions
A high-profile case at Woolwich Crown Court in the U.K. underscores the growing concern. Four Nigerians — Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir — were convicted for involvement in over 2,000 fake marriage certificates to support immigration applications under the EU Settlement Scheme. Their sentences totaled 13 years in prison.
Expert Opinions
Marriage counselors and social commentators have weighed in on this troubling trend. Mrs. Shukurat Badmus, a Lagos-based counselor, emphasized that procuring fake marriage certificates is both immoral and illegal, involving deception and fraud.
Joe Bollore, another counselor, noted that some see fake wedding certificates as a “necessary evil” when genuine marriages are not feasible due to distance or other circumstances. Similarly, Miss Oyenike Bello, a student, highlighted that such practices disrespect the institution of marriage.
Mr. Jide Oluboye, a Lagos resident married for 15 years, argued that some view fake certificates as a convenient solution to bypass the expenses and logistics of a real wedding.
Content Creators Weigh In
Dr. Shola, a content creator, recently went viral with a video titled “You Can’t Marry Your Green Card.” He stressed the importance of obtaining legal status in countries like the U.S. and U.K. through legitimate means rather than resorting to deceitful practices.
Tosin Akingbade, also known as Citizen Tosin, highlighted similar challenges in the UAE, where work permit restrictions have led some Nigerians to consider dubious alternatives. He criticized the Nigerian government’s lack of transparency regarding visa issues and called for better information dissemination.
The Legal and Social Risks
Dr. Efe Anaughe, a human rights activist, warned of the severe consequences of using fake marriage certificates. Under Nigerian law, offenders face up to five years in prison or fines of up to ₦500,000. Foreigners risk deportation, and the fraudulent marriage becomes legally invalid, leading to reputational damage, social stigma, and complications in divorce, inheritance, and child custody cases.
Government Efforts and Recommendations
To combat this menace, the Nigerian government has begun digitizing marriage records, strengthening verification processes, and launching public awareness campaigns. Inter-agency collaboration and strict enforcement of laws are also in progress.
However, Dr. Anaughe emphasized the need for additional measures:
- Strengthening legislation and enforcement
- Improving registration and verification processes
- Enhancing public education and awareness
- Increasing funding for relevant agencies and fostering inter-agency collaboration
Call to Action
As a society, we must unite against this hidden threat to protect the sanctity of marriage and uphold the rule of law. By raising awareness and promoting ethical practices, we can foster a more secure and transparent environment for all Nigerians.
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The Hidden Struggles of African Men in Marriages Abroad
Clayton Udo, a United States-based Nigerian IT expert, recently shed light on a concerning trend affecting African men in marriages abroad, particularly in the U.S. He revealed that many men face emotional, financial, and legal exploitation by their spouses, leading some to flee the country or suffer devastating consequences, including death.
A Growing Crisis
Udo highlighted the severe financial losses endured by African men, stating that many have had $200,000 to $300,000 taken from them through contentious divorces. “African women come out on TikTok and Facebook with pictures of themselves and the children smiling in the house they took from the man,” he lamented.
The IT expert recounted his own ordeal, where his ex-wife sabotaged his professional career. “She went to every recruiter I worked with, reporting me and then turning around to get signed up with those same recruiters,” Udo explained. This interference led to a loss of professional opportunities and compounded the emotional distress of divorce.
Fabricated Abuse Claims and Legal Manipulation
Udo accused some women of fabricating abuse allegations to gain leverage in legal disputes. “What they do is lie, claiming verbal and physical abuse,” he said. He warned that such tactics often result in men losing their homes, careers, and even custody of their children.
He further emphasized the long-lasting impact on children, with some women allegedly turning children against their fathers either openly or secretly. “The number of men in the U.S. African community who have been alienated from their children is staggering,” he added.
A Cautionary Warning
Udo urged African men to be cautious in their marital choices, warning that some women marry as a means to escape poverty and later seek to strip their partners of possessions. “In her mind, she wants to climb up and get out of the poverty she came from,” he explained.
The IT expert advised men to thoroughly vet potential spouses and remain vigilant about the dynamics in their marriages. “Be careful who you are walking around with. Some women may like you for your money and status, but once inside the house, they want to take everything you have.”
A Call for Dialogue and Support
The issue Udo highlighted underscores the need for dialogue within the African diaspora community about marriage expectations, legal rights, and the emotional toll of exploitative relationships. Creating support systems for affected men and fostering better understanding between spouses can help reduce these occurrences.
By raising awareness, the community can address the hidden struggles of African men abroad and work toward healthier, more equitable relationships.
