Vicar held in sham marriage investigation

A Rochdale vicar has been arrested as part of an investigation into sham marriages.

Rev. Canon Dr Patrick John Magumba, 58, has been suspended while the UK border Agency investigates allegations he staged bogus weddings.

Dr Magumba is the team Vicar for St Peter's in Newbold and St Luke’s in Deeplish.

Dr Magumba, originally from Uganda, was arrested at his house in Deeplish by the UK Border Agency who are working alongside Greater Manchester Police.

A spokesperson for the Church of England, Diocese of Manchester, said: “The Reverend John Magumba was questioned by the immigration crime team over irregularities in relation to weddings.

“He will continue to help the authorities with their enquiries over the coming weeks.

“Following proper procedures, the Bishop has suspended his licence to operate as a minister of religion while the investigations continue.”

Dr Magumba was questioned and later released on police bail.

A spokesperson for the UK Border Agency was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. 

Sham marriages usually involve a non-European marrying an EU citizen to secure long-term residency, the right to work and the right to claim benefits in the UK.