BULAWAYO – A 52-year-old Nigerian man allegedly forged papers over several years to trick Zimbabwe’s immigration department to issue him temporary permits to stay in the country while claiming that he was married to a local woman.

Kelechi Godwin was released on US$400 bail by a court in Bulawayo on Tuesday after he was charged with four counts of fraud involving forged documents and false declarations in his applications for spousal resident permits over a five-year period.

The charges stem from separate incidents that occurred between 2009 and 2014, all involving the Bulawayo Immigration Office.

Prosecutors allege that Godwin deliberately misrepresented material facts on each occasion in an attempt to obtain Zimbabwean residency.

In the first count, the court heard that on September 16, 2009, Godwin submitted an application for a Spousal Resident Permit to the Department of Immigration. He allegedly attached a forged supporting letter, purporting it to have been written by his Zimbabwean wife.

Investigations have now established that Godwin is in fact married to a woman who lives in the United Kingdom, with whom he has two children.

Godwin repeated the trick on March 11, 2013, with another forged spousal letter to immigration officials at the same office to obtain a new permit.

He would submit forged papers again on January 18, 2014, according to the prosecution.

Immigration officials visited Godwin at his home during an unannounced visit to verify his claims, the court heard. He introduced the officials to an unknown woman claiming her to be his wife. He also stated that the two had no children together.

However, it was established that his real wife lives in the United Kingdom and that the couple had twin children born on October 17, 2011.

The National Prosecuting Authority argues that these falsehoods directly influenced the Immigration Department’s decision to approve his permit application. The misrepresentations “caused prejudice to the good administration and reputation of the department.”

In granting bail, magistrate Shepherd Mjanja imposed strict conditions, ordering Godwin to continue residing at the address he provided to the court. He was also instructed to report to Bulawayo Central Police Station twice a week—on Mondays and Fridays—between the hours of 6AM and 5PM.

The magistrate emphasised that failure to comply with the reporting conditions or any attempt to interfere with investigations could result in bail revocation.

Godwin is expected to return to court on April 30 for continuation of proceedings.