The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the immediate deportation of Zimbabwean cleric Eben Nhiwatiwa for allegedly violating the country’s immigration laws.
According to a statement released by NIS Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo on Wednesday in Abuja, Nhiwatiwa was arrested on August 24 in Yola, Adamawa State capital. The cleric, who arrived in Nigeria on August 21 with a Tourist Visa (F5A), was accused of participating in the Methodist Church’s leadership election, a clear breach of the visa’s conditions, which are restricted to tourism activities only.
“This is in clear violation of the terms and privileges associated with the Tourist Visa as provided in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024,” Udo stated. Following the infraction, the NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, with approval from the Ministry, ordered Nhiwatiwa’s immediate repatriation.
Udo emphasized that the NIS supports lawful foreign investments and social activities that promote economic growth but will not tolerate any breaches of Nigeria’s immigration laws.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
