Nigeria Faults U.S. Deportation of 13 Citizens Through Ghana

The Nigerian government has expressed strong disapproval after the United States deported 13 Nigerians to Ghana instead of sending them directly home. Officials in Abuja say they were never notified about the move, describing it as an unusual and unacceptable practice.

According to reports, the deportees including one Gambian national were flown into Accra on a U.S. military aircraft. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed his country received them, explaining that the decision was based on “humanitarian grounds” after other West African states allegedly declined. He stressed that Ghana did not receive any financial benefit for accepting the group, acknowledging that the arrangement places added pressure on national resources.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted swiftly, insisting that while it has no issue with its citizens being returned from abroad, there is no reason they should first be dropped in a neighboring country. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa noted that such actions raise questions about procedure and respect for international protocols.

Ghana later announced that the 13 Nigerians had left Accra for Nigeria by land, while the Gambian was repatriated separately. However, some lawyers representing four of the Nigerians claim their clients are still being held in Ghana. Accra has denied the allegation, maintaining that none of the deportees remain in custody and that their rights were not violated.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria used the development to remind the public that visa application fees remain non-refundable, urging applicants to carefully follow the guidance provided on its official platforms to avoid costly mistakes.

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