The Nigeria Immigration Service has deported a Zimbabwean bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatawi, for participating in the Methodist Church leadership election process while on a tourist visa.
The spokesman for the service, Mr Kenneth Udo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Udo disclosed that Nhiwatawi was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa State, on August 24.
Nhiwatawi, who arrived in the country on August 21, with a Tourist Visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes, was reported to have attempted to enthrone a bishop for the splinter of a church in Adamawa.
The NIS said the clergyman’s action is a clear violation of the terms and privileges associated with the tourist visa, as outlined in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.
“On 24th August 2024, Mr Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean Bishop, was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa State, for violating Immigration protocols.
“The Bishop arrived in the country on 21st August 2024, with a Tourist Visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes.
“However, it was discovered he participated in the Methodist Church leadership election process, an action 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 NIS comptroller general, Kemi Nandap with ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country.
“While the service encourages the 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.”
“NIS will not tolerate any violation of the country’s Immigration laws,” the statement read.
