Nigerian man accused of faking marriage for five years to stay in Zimbabwe

A 52-year-old Nigerian man, Kelechi Godwin, is facing legal trouble after allegedly forging documents to secure Zimbabwean residence permits between 2009 and 2014.

Prosecutors claim that Godwin submitted fraudulent spousal support letters, purporting they were from his wife, Patience Godwin, even though she had been living outside Zimbabwe since 2008. In one instance, he reportedly brought a different woman to an immigration interview and introduced her as his wife in an attempt to deceive officials.

The fake documentation led to the issuance of multiple spousal residence permits, compromising the integrity of the Immigration Department. Godwin was granted bail on April 15, 2025, under specific conditions including the payment of US$400, staying at a listed address, avoiding contact with witnesses, and reporting to the Bulawayo Central Police Station twice a week. He is scheduled to return to court on April 30, 2025, as investigations into the matter continue.

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