A Zimbabwean Bishop, Eben K. Nhiwatawi has been deported from Nigeria by the authorities for participating in the Methodist Church leadership election process while on a tourist visa.

In a statement issued by the Nigeria immigration services public relations officer, Kenneth Udo, the Bishop’s actions was in clear violation of the terms and privileges associated with the tourist visa, as outlined in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.

The statement read in part, “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, he was found to be participating in the Methodist Church leadership election process, which violates the terms and privileges of his visa.

“In light of the above, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, with Ministerial approval, has ordered his immediate repatriation from the country.

“The Service remains committed to preserving the country’s national security and will continue to monitor the activities of foreigners for such purposes.”