The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has ordered the immediate repatriation of Eben Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean bishop, over violation of immigration protocols.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Kenneth Udo, NIS spokesperson, said Nhiwatawi was apprehended in Yola, Adamawa’s capital, on August 24.
“The Bishop arrived in the country on 21st August, 2024, with a Tourist Visa (F5A) meant solely for tourism purposes,” Udo said.
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“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.”
Baptist News Global recorded the incident as the latest encounter in an ongoing crisis between church leaders in Nigerian loyal to The United Methodist Church (UMC) and factions supporting John Yohanna, a bishop who resigned from the UMC to join the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC).
The publication said Nhiwatiwa was part of a four-bishop team appointed by the UMC council of bishops to help douse the tensions in Nigeria.
Quoting Ande Emmanuel, a UMC pastor of the Southern Nigeria annual conference, the Baptist outlet said the GMC reported Nhiwatiwa to the NIS, alleging that he came to promote homosexuality in the country.
Homosexual practice is either socially taboo or illegal in many African countries including Nigeria.
“The immigration officers in Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State, which (was) the first location for his visit, invited him and interrogated him for three hours (Aug. 23) and put him under guard,” Emmanuel was quoted as saying.
The NIS said while it encourages the lawful inflow of foreign investments and individuals engaging in business and social activities, it will not tolerate any violation of the country’s immigration laws.
The statement added that the foreigners’ activities will continue to be monitored.
