A 32-year-old man Nigerian reportedly living illegally in the London has been sent back home after police interrupted his sham wedding in a registry office in Harrow, North London. Reports in British papers said the 22-year-old Portuguese bride of the unnamed Nigerian is on bail until November 7, with police saying she may have married for money on three separate occasions. Police established that the pair barely knew each other after questioning them separately, according to the reports.

“The bride and groom were led away in handcuffs after being interviewed by immigration officials in front of surprised guests,” said a report in London Evening Standard.

It quoted Susan Hall, leader of Harrow Council, as saying: “We believe in a fair borough and it is simply disgraceful to lie in our registry office in order to cheat the system.”

•Photo shows the Nigerian being escorted into the car on his way to being deported.