The Nigerian Immigration Services, NIS, have cited the violation of immigration laws, as the reason for the repatriation of a Zimbabwean Bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatawi.
Nhiwatawi who recently arrived in Adamawa State to preside over the election of a new bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria, UMCN, was arrested and detained by the Immigration.
A statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, PRO, DCI KT Udo, said the bishop came into Nigeria with a tourist visa.
“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,” the statement said.
The statement further disclosed that the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, with Ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country.
The statement stressed that the Service remains committed to preserving the Nigeria’s national security and will continue to monitor the activities of foreigners for such purposes.
“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.”
Efforts to speak with some leaders of the church were not successful.