By Victoria Onyisi
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the immediate repatriation of a Zimbabwean Bishop, Mr. Eben K. Nhiwatawi, for violating the country’s immigration protocol.
In a statement signed by Mr. Kenneth Udo, Spokesperson for NIS, which was made available to the media on Wednesday, he said the Bishop arrived Nigeria on 21st August, with a tourist Visa (F5A), meant solely for tourism purposes.
According to him, the Bishop, was apprehended on August 24 in Yola, Adamawa State, which is in breach of Immigration protocols.
Udo, said: “The Bishop arrived in the country on 21st August, 2024, with a tourist visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes.”
However, he said the Bishop 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.
He said: “In light of the above, the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, with Ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country.”
According to him, 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.
