The federal government has repatriated Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean bishop accused of breaking immigration regulations.
On August 24th, agents from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) seized the priest in Yola, Adamawa State, for violating immigration rules.
In a statement released on Wednesday, DCI Kenneth Udo, the Service Public Relations Officer, stated that the bishop entered the nation on August 21, 2024, using a Tourist Visa (F5A) intended exclusively for travel.
“But it was found that he was taking part in the Methodist Church leadership election process, which is obviously against the conditions and benefits linked to the tourist visa as stipulated in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024,” Udo stated.
The statement also stated that in view of the aforementioned, Ministerial approval has been granted to Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, in order to order his prompt return to his own country.
It stated that although the service supports legitimate foreign direct investment (FDI) and people doing commercial and social activities as important enablers of economic development and progress, it will not stand for any infraction of the nation’s immigration regulations.
“The Service remains committed to preserving the country’s national security and will continue to monitor the activities of foreigners for such purposes,” according to the statement. According to reports, Nhiwatawi attempted to enthrone a bishop for the Adamawa church schism.
Bottom Line
In this case, the bishop entered Nigeria on a tourist visa, which is specifically intended for travel and leisure, not for participating in activities such as leadership elections within a church.
By engaging in activities that went beyond the scope of his visa, the bishop violated the conditions of his entry into Nigeria, prompting the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to take action.
