A 68-year-old British woman has alleged that her Nigerian husband married her as part of a calculated scheme to obtain a visa for the United Kingdom.
The woman claims she was deceived into a romantic relationship that culminated in a registry office marriage in Nicosia, Cyprus, in March. She asserts that the union was not based on love, but was instead a means for her husband to secure legal residency in Britain.
The couple, who have a 37-year age gap, first connected through a dating app in 2021. The woman alleges that the Nigerian national, aged 31, targeted her specifically because of her citizenship and the potential for immigration benefits.
According to the claims, the husband’s affection during their courtship was a facade designed to build trust and facilitate the legal processes required for a spouse visa. The choice of Nicosia, Cyprus, for the wedding ceremony is a common occurrence for international couples seeking streamlined marriage procedures outside their home countries.
Legal implications of marriage for convenience
The case reflects a recurring pattern of romance scams where perpetrators use digital platforms to target vulnerable or elderly individuals for financial gain or immigration status. In the United Kingdom, the Home Office maintains strict regulations to prevent sham marriages, which are defined as marriages entered into solely to circumvent immigration laws.
Under UK law, a marriage of convenience is a criminal offence. If investigations prove that the marriage was fraudulent, the Nigerian national could face severe penalties, including the revocation of any granted visa, permanent exclusion from the UK, and potential imprisonment for fraud.
The British woman stated that she is now reviewing her legal options to have the marriage nullified. She expressed a desire to warn other women about the risks associated with meeting partners via dating apps, particularly when there are significant age differences and immediate requests for immigration assistance.
The UK’s visa regulations for spouses require evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, including shared communication and proof of cohabitation. The allegations suggest a deliberate attempt to bypass these safeguards through a fraudulent union.
The Nigerian husband has not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The woman is currently seeking legal counsel to determine the next steps for divorce and to report the matter to the relevant immigration authorities.
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