By BONIFACE AKARAH

International human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe has called on the Federal Government to provide immediate consular support for Nigerians detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), urging authorities to also establish a coordinated repatriation process for citizens facing deportation.

Ogebe made the appeal in a statement accompanying a petition by the U.S.-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, following the death of Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Okwy Madu, and the reported detention of Nigerian nun, Sister Letty Ugboaja, in the United States. He urged the Federal Government, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to intervene on behalf of affected Nigerians. According to him, “I call on the Nigerian government, IOM and NIDCOM to assist Nigerians currently in ICE custody with consular support and a smooth repatriation system in recognition of their significant contributions of billions to the economy.” He further stated, “I am deeply saddened by the death of Father Ben Madu here in the U.S.” Ogebe also said, “These are not the first fatalities resulting from the US visa ban.”

According to the lawyer, Sister Ugboaja was detained by ICE while walking to church despite being in the United States legally and having no criminal record.

He argued that Nigerians have continued to make significant contributions to their host communities and economies abroad, saying this should be recognised in immigration decisions.

“A further clear cut example of Nigerians adding value to society is soccer champion Folarin Balogun, America’s top scorer in the ongoing World Cup. There are 15 Nigerians in the World Cup representing nine countries,” he said.

Ogebe maintained that deporting Nigerians to a country facing persistent insecurity exposed them to serious risks, citing previous cases involving refugees who returned to Nigeria.

“Some refugees returned to Gwoza earlier this year where some were killed and abducted by terrorists,” he stated.

He added that attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria had continued despite international concern, noting that several pastors had been killed and others abducted this year.

The accompanying coalition statement urged U.S. authorities to suspend deportations involving Nigerians whose lives could be endangered upon return, while also seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible Nigerians already residing in the United States.

It further appealed for a review of visa policies affecting clergy and victims of religious persecution, arguing that immigration decisions should reflect prevailing humanitarian conditions in Nigeria.

The coalition said It would continue engaging U.S. authorities in pursuit of immigration measures that protect vulnerable Nigerians while preserving America’s long-standing commitment to religious freedom and humanitarian protection.

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