A disturbing trend has emerged, threatening the fabric of society.
Fake marriage certificates, obtained for various reasons, have become a growing concern. Behind the facade of matrimony, individuals seek to exploit the system for immigration benefits, financial gains, social status, and legal convenience.
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But little do they know, this deceitful path leads to severe consequences.
Option
For Tayo, hiring the service of a marriage agent firm to obtain a certificate was the only option to live and work freely in America and the United Kingdom (UK) among others.
Four years after Tayo finished his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, he hoped to leave Nigeria for greener pasture.
Traveling out of the country was the best option.
A few years after he got to the UK, he was advised to solidify his stay in the country by obtaining a green card.
The only option for him was to marry.
Tayo believed that obtaining the marriage certificate would help him secure his green card.
After the marriage certificate arrangement, Tayo was able to work and live comfortably.
He was in the UK for years and was progressing.
Eight years later, his fake marriage certificate saga was exposed.
Tayo was not the only one in this mess.
Lots of people for the sake of greener pasture are also wearing the same shoes.
Sentenced
Recently, there was a report about four Nigerians, Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31, and Adekunle Kabir, 54, who were convicted and sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court, in the UK.
It was reported that they were sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison after being convicted of involvement in over 2, 000 fake marriage certificates to support the applications of Nigerian citizens seeking to remain in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Issuing fake marriage certificates has become a trend, especially for those looking for greener pasture.
Sharing her views with Sunday Vanguard, Mrs Shukurat Badmus, a marriage counselor based in Lagos, explained that procuring or using fake marriage certificate is immoral and illegal, adding that it involves deception and fraud.
On his part, Joe Bollore, another marriage counselor, cases of fake wedding certificates are seen as a necessary evil such as in situations where real wedding is not possible due to circumstances like distance.
To Miss Oyenike Bello, a student, the trend negates the beliefs about marriage which is supposed to be a sacred institution, adding that procuring fake wedding certificates disrespects the marriage institution.
Also speaking on the issue, Mr Jide Oluboye, a Lagos resident who has been married for 15 years, said, “Fake wedding certificates are a convenient solution for those who want to avoid the hassle and expense of a real wedding but need documents for immigration”.
‘You can’t marry your green card’
In a video that has gone viral, a content creator, Dr. Shola, who spoke on, ‘You can’t marry your green card’, disclosed that it is pertinent for anyone who wants to work and live in America and England to have something to work with.
“You must have something that would make you legal, you must have a green card; if you do not have you cannot stay there, you cannot be sustained there, so many people enter into America and they have no papers and they have been living there for the past 15 years and they still do not have a green card all because they made up their mind”, he said.
“Many people who come to America or the UK have the mindset to stay legal there and the only way is for them to marry an American citizen.
“Then, you can remain legal and have your green card and, after three years, you can make up your mind to divorce the American, go back to Nigeria, marry your Nigerian wife and then bring her with you to the United States of America or wherever you are staying.
“So many people left Nigeria without the understanding of what it takes to stay and work comfortably abroad. They believe it is only to secure a visa.
“There is a need to make an organization in Nigeria and America that will make people understand that it is not only a visa, a visa is not the ultimate.
“Coming to America is not just by visa alone, when you come to America and stay there as your primary home, then you need to make sure you have a green card and become a citizen.
”A visitor in America cannot get a green card unless he marries an American citizen.
“We will need to pay money or pretend like you love the person.
“For a person who fears God, the first thing you would think about is how you would use someone for paper?
“Many women are depressed because of the action”.
Work permit
Another content creator, Tosin Akingbade, also known as citizen Tosin, also speaking on the issue of fake marriage certificate, said, “Nigerians in UAE are still facing work permit challenges. And this has lasted for more than three years.
“Any man who wants to be in the UAE will only have to be under his wife’s visa permit. Men do not have work permits.
“The common saying among Nigerian men is ‘wetin men do men? Why we no fit get visa? Wetin Adam do Adam?’ The Nigerian government is economical with the truth by saying the visa ban has been lifted.
“It is criminal to put false information in a public place even when reality is staring you in the face.
“If you cannot get a work permit and your government official is not telling the truth… “Even visit visas are not open.
“As we speak, Nigerians in the UAE are still facing work permit issues.
“Nigerians can come to the UAE with visiting visa and if they get to the UAE, they will not get work permit and they will be stranded.
“Fake marriages can lead to a range of negative consequences, including immigration fraud, identity theft, financial exploitation, emotional trauma, and undermining the integrity of marriage and immigration laws, ultimately harming individuals, communities, and society as a whole”.
Risk
Dr. Efe Anaughe, a human rights activist, also shared his perspective. His words: “Nigeria’s complex marriage laws, comprising the Marriage Act of 1990, Islamic Law, and Customary Law, govern civil, religious, and traditional marriages. Yet, amidst this diversity, fake marriage certificates flourish.
“The consequences of obtaining fake marriage certificates are dire. Imagine facing imprisonment for up to five years or paying fines of up to N500, 000.
“For foreigners, deportation is a risk. Moreover, the marriage is invalid, leading to loss of reputation, social stigma, and complications in divorce, inheritance, or child custody.
“To combat this menace, the government has taken decisive steps. Marriage records are being digitized, verification processes strengthened, and public awareness campaigns launched. Inter-agency collaboration and strict enforcement of laws and regulations are also underway.
“However, more needs to be done. “Strengthening legislation and enforcement, improving registration and verification processes, and enhancing public education and awareness are crucial.
“Increasing funding for relevant agencies and promoting inter-agency collaboration will also help.
“By joining forces, we all can eradicate fake marriage certificates and create a safer, more secure society for all Nigerians.
Call to Action
“We can unite against this hidden threat. Protect the sanctity of marriage and uphold the rule of law”.
