Indian Court Orders Deportation of Two Nigerians for Visa Overstay
- Mar 7
- 1 min read
A High Court in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru has directed immigration authorities to deport two Nigerian nationals who remained in the country for more than a decade without valid visas.
The court instructed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to initiate deportation procedures against Emeka Iwoba and Uderike Fidelis after determining that they had overstayed their legal stay in India for over ten years.
Iwoba, who is also known as Austin Noso Iwoba, and Fidelis were arrested by police in 2024 during a narcotics investigation. Authorities alleged that the two were involved in the distribution of illegal substances including 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cocaine.
During court proceedings, the defendants argued that they were not properly informed of the reasons for their arrest, raising concerns over procedural fairness.
In its ruling, the court stressed that legal protections under Article 22 of the Constitution of India apply to all individuals within the country, regardless of nationality.
The judges noted that constitutional safeguards against unlawful detention are not limited to citizens but extend to foreign nationals as well.
Following this determination, the court ordered their release from custody while directing the immigration authorities to proceed with formal steps for the withdrawal of prosecution and their subsequent deportation in line with established government procedures.
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