- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Immigration Service has deported a Zimbabwean Clergy, Eben Nhiwatawi, over violation of immigration rule.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on the agency’s official X handle earlier today.
The Zimbabwean bishop, who arrived Nigeria with a Tourist Visa on the 21st of August 2024, was apprehended three days after, following report of his involvement in Methodist General Election process at Yola.
This, according to NIS, violated immigration protocol, hence his immediate deportation back to Zimbabwe.
The statement read in part; “On 24th August, 2024, Mr. Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean Bishop, was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa State over violation of Immigration protocols.
“The Bishop arrived in the country on 21st August, 2024, with a Tourist Visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes.
“However, he was discovered to be participating in Methodist Church leadership election process which is in clear violation of the terms and privileges associated with the Tourist Visa as provided in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.
“In light of the above, the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, with Ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country.
“While the Service encourages lawful inflow of Foreign Direct Investment and individuals engaging in business and social activities, as key facilitators ofeconomic growth and development, it will not tolerate any violation of the country’s Immigration laws.
“The Service remains committed to preserving the country’s National Security and will continue to monitor the activities of foreigners for such purposes.”