A Nigerian mother who used her sister-in-law’s work documents to secure better-paying care home jobs in Wakefield, UK — sending all earnings to her nine-year-old son in Nigeria — has avoided prison after pleading guilty to fraud at Leeds Crown Court.
A Nigerian woman who used her sister-in-law’s identity to secure skilled care home work in Wakefield has escaped a prison sentence after admitting fraud at Leeds Crown Court, according to Yorkshire Evening Post.
Hachikaru Prosper Nyesom, 35, arrived in the UK in spring 2024 holding a permit restricted to unskilled work. Her sister-in-law, Veronica Odey, 22, held a skilled work permit. Nyesom used Odey’s documents to obtain employment she was otherwise barred from, sending every penny earned to support her nine-year-old son in Nigeria.
The fraud unravelled in May 2024 when a photograph Nyesom submitted to a recruitment agency did not match the person on file. Investigators discovered Odey had received £6,565 in wages earned under her name before passing the money back to Nyesom.
Odey initially had no knowledge her documents were being used. When she found out and confronted Nyesom, she allowed the arrangement to continue. Both women pleaded guilty.
Defence counsel Erin Kitson-Parker told the court the fraud was “not sophisticated” and that Nyesom was not motivated by personal gain. Odey’s barrister, Kristina Goodwin, confirmed her client had allowed things to continue because the money was destined for the child in Nigeria.
Neither woman has previous convictions in the UK or Nigeria. Both avoided custody.