A Nigerian couple behind one of the biggest benefit frauds in Croydon’s history had their scam exposed when a gas explosion blew the roof of their neighbours home.

Minicab driver Nura Kamara, 34, and his 31-year-old partner Hadiza Mohammed used £80,000 of falsely claimed housing and council tax benefits to find a string of businesses in his home country.

The couple used false names to rake in the haul, but were caught when they were left homeless after an explosion ripped through the three-storey Victorian building they lived in at Oliver Grove, South Norwood.

Kamara and Mohammed approached Croydon Council to be rehomed following the fire last September, but checks on their identities revealed they had set up benefits at the address under different names.

A search of their belongings revealed fake passports and a photography film showing Kamara getting married to a French woman in 2003, which it is believed he thought would allow him to remain in the UK.

The same film roll showed him enjoying a holiday with Mohammed at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.

An investigation by the UK Border Agency discovered Kamara also owned a house, land and a goat and fish farm next to a shop in Nigeria, which they believe was bought using money from the scam.

He was jailed for three years at Croydon Crown Court on June 1, while Mohammed was sentenced to 18 months after both pleaded guilty to a number of offences on the day of the trial.

The couple were told they will be deported on their release from jail.

Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “This was a complex and difficult case that demonstrates the great pressures councils are under to stop people stealing money that is meant to pay for people who really need the help the state benefits can give.

“But it also shows that where necessary, Croydon Council will always take the strongest possible action against benefit cheats.”