A Nigerian man appeared in a Bulawayo court on Tuesday, accused of tricking Zimbabwe immigration officials with fake marriage papers. Officials released 52-year-old Kelechi Godwin after he paid $400 bail on fraud charges. He allegedly used forged documents between 2009 and 2014 to obtain permits reserved for spouses of Zimbabwean citizens.
Court records show Godwin submitted fake spousal letters several times over five years. Immigration officers discovered the truth during a surprise home visit when he introduced them to someone he falsely claimed was his wife. Investigators later found that his actual wife lives in the United Kingdom with their twin children born in 2011.
Prosecutors said these lies damaged the reputation of the immigration department. The magistrate ordered Godwin to stay at his registered address during the case. He must check in twice weekly at the Bulawayo Central Police Station from early morning until evening. His next court date is April 30, when the case continues.
Court records show Godwin submitted fake spousal letters several times over five years. Immigration officers discovered the truth during a surprise home visit when he introduced them to someone he falsely claimed was his wife. Investigators later found that his actual wife lives in the United Kingdom with their twin children born in 2011.
Prosecutors said these lies damaged the reputation of the immigration department. The magistrate ordered Godwin to stay at his registered address during the case. He must check in twice weekly at the Bulawayo Central Police Station from early morning until evening. His next court date is April 30, when the case continues.
