Nigerian woman used sister-in-law's documents to secure better work in Wakefield

Hachikaru Prosper Nyesom admitted fraud by false representation at Leeds Crown Court this week, along with her sister-in-law, Veronica Odey.

Odey did not initially know her work documents were being utilised but failed to stop the crime once she became aware.

The court heard that both women had come to the UK in the spring of 2024, with 22-year-old Odey acquiring a work permit for skilled employment.

Nyesom, 35, only had a permit to work in unskilled jobs.

Both had applied for work in the care-home sector.

The scam was uncovered in May 2024 when a picture of Nyesom sent to a recruitment agency “did not tally”, prosecutor Carmel Pearson said.

An investigation was launched and it was found that Nyesom had set up an email address in Odey’s name.

It was also found that Odey had paid £6,565 to Nyesom - the wages for the jobs Nyesom had secured under her sister-in-law’s name.

A probation report into Nyesom found that she had a nine-year-old son in Nigeria whom she was supporting with her wages.

Mitigating on her behalf, Erin Kitson-Parker said her fraud was “not sophisticated” but conceded it was serious.

She said: “She was not doing it to drive fast cars or have holidays, it was to send it to her son.

“She was mis-advised in her decision making.”

Nyesom, of Hepworth Gardens, Wakefield, has no previous convictions in the UK or Nigeria.

Odey, of Marion Grove, Wakefield, also has no previous convictions.

Mitigating on her behalf, Kristina Goodwin said: “She had no knowledge of this fraudulently activity until she confronted Nyesom.

“But she did continue to let her use them because the money was going back to her child in Nigeria.”

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She said Odey came to the UK with her husband to “improve her prospects”.

Judge Richard Mansell KC gave Nyesom a four-month sentence, suspended for 12 months with 120 hours of unpaid work.

Odey was given a community order with 80 hours of unpaid work.