A 52-year-old Nigerian, Kelechi Godwin, is in serious legal trouble in Zimbabwe after allegedly orchestrating a five-year fake marriage to obtain residency permits. Godwin is accused of submitting forged documents, including fake spousal support letters, to the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration between 2009 and 2014. The documents were purportedly written by his wife, Patience Godwin, who had not lived in Zimbabwe since 2008.
Investigators say that Godwin even went so far as to bring another woman to an immigration interview, falsely claiming she was his wife in an effort to deceive officials and secure spousal residency permits. His actions have raised concerns about potential abuse of Zimbabwe’s immigration system.
Godwin was granted bail on April 15, 2025, under strict conditions. He must pay a US$400 bail fee, live at a specified address, avoid contacting witnesses, and report to Bulawayo Central Police Station twice a week. He is set to return to court on April 30 for further investigation.
This case highlights growing concerns over immigration fraud, where individuals use deceptive practices to circumvent residency laws. Zimbabwe, like many countries, has stringent immigration regulations, and the abuse of these processes can lead to serious legal consequences. This incident also underscores the need for stronger safeguards to prevent the misuse of immigration systems globally.
