Nigerian Criminal Avoids Deportation Due to Mental Health Concerns
A Nigerian man convicted of armed robbery and drug offenses has evaded deportation from the UK due to mental health issues, which are believed to be perceived as demonic possession in Nigeria. A judge ruled his mental health could not be adequately treated if returned. The man has shown a desire to reform, engaging in community activities.
A Nigerian man, previously convicted of armed robbery and drug offenses, has successfully avoided deportation from the UK due to his mental health conditions, which include psychosis. The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, suffers from delusions of being possessed and perceives external voices constantly, leading to concerns about his treatment upon return to Nigeria, where such issues may be seen as demonic possession.
In 2011, the man received a seven-year prison sentence for robbing a brothel, followed by another six years later for dealing crack cocaine. Despite being subject to a deportation order issued in 2014, he was granted permission to remain in the UK on human rights grounds. A judge ruled that the healthcare system in Nigeria could not adequately address his specific mental health treatment needs.
Amenities concerning his condition highlighted that he experiences intrusive memories and severe nightmares linked to his belief in demonic forces affecting his psyche. Expert opinions suggested he is a high risk to public safety yet noted that his return to Nigeria would likely exacerbate his condition due to stigma surrounding mental health.
A report from Amnesty International stated he faces a substantial risk of being identified as possessed, suggesting that Nigerian societal beliefs may compel his persecution. Furthermore, the judge emphasized the potential harm he could face if returned to Nigeria, remarking that the country lacks the necessary support for individuals with comparable mental health challenges.
The convict has demonstrated a desire to rehabilitate and has been actively engaging in positive community activities, including gym attendance and volunteer work, while living outside of secure accommodation. His case is among several instances where foreign nationals have utilized human rights legislation to resist deportation, highlighting ongoing debates surrounding public safety and immigration integrity in the UK.
This case underscores the complexities surrounding the intersection of mental health, immigration, and human rights law. The Nigerian national, whose convictions include serious criminal offenses, was permitted to stay in the UK for treatment reasons, illustrating how judicial consideration of mental health can significantly influence deportation decisions. Moreover, it raises critical questions about the adequacy of mental health support systems in other countries.
Original Source: www.gbnews.com
