Immigration arrests, repatriates Zimbabwean Bishop

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has arrested and repatriated a Zimbabwean Bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatawi, in Yola, Adamawa State, over violation of Immigration protocols.

The paramilitary agency, in statement by DCI Kenneth T Udo, Service Public Relations Officer, NIS Headquarters, Abuja, accused the Bishop of disguise to gain entrance into the country.

Immigration claimed that he gained entry with a Tourist Visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes, but it surprisingly discovered that he participated in Methodist Church leadership election process clearly in violation of the terms and privileges associated with the Tourist Visa as provided in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.

It warned that though it will encourage 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 however tolerate any violation of the country’s Immigration laws.

The statement read: “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, 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.
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