Immigration arrests, repatriates Zimbabwean Bishop, accuses him of living in disguise

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested and repatriated a Zimbabwean Bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatawi, who was living in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, for violation of Immigration protocols.

In a statement by DCI Kenneth T Udo, Service Public Relations Officer, NIS Headquarters, Abuja, accused the Bishop of disguise to gain entrance into the country, explaining that Nhiwatawi gained entry with a tourist visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes, but that, surprisingly, he was discovered to have participated in a Methodist Church leadership election process.

Insisting that the Bishop acted in clear breach of the terms and privileges associated with the Tourist Visa as provided in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024, NIS warned that while it would encourage lawful inflow of Foreign Direct Investment and individuals engaging in business and social activities, as key facilitators of economic growth and development, it would, however, not tolerate any violation of the country’s Immigration laws.

“On 24th August, 2024, Mr. Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean Bishop, was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa State, over violation of Immigration protocols,” the statement reads.

“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 the 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, NIS, 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 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,” the statement read.