The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has repatriated a Zimbabwean bishop, whom it accused of violating immigration laws.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, the cleric, Eben K. Nhiwatawi, was apprehended on 24th August in Yola, Adamawa State, by personnel of the Service over a violation of immigration protocols.
TheFact Daily learns that
the bishop arrived in the country on August 21, 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, Kemi Nandap, with ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country”, the statement said.
The statement said further that, while the Service encourages lawful inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and individuals engaging in business and social activities as key facilitators of economic 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,” Udo added.
Nhiwatawi was reported to have attempted to enthrone a bishop for the splinter of a church in Adamawa.
