Nigerian Convict Avoids Deportation Due to Mental Health Concerns

A Nigerian man, convicted of armed robbery and drug dealing, has successfully avoided deportation due to severe mental health issues. The court ruled that he would not receive appropriate care in Nigeria, where his condition could be misinterpreted as possession. Despite past offenses, he has shown a desire to reform and is currently living in the community under treatment.

An unnamed Nigerian man, previously convicted of armed robbery and drug trafficking, has been granted permission to remain in the United Kingdom after a court ruling. The decision arose from concerns regarding his mental health, particularly severe psychosis that compels him to believe he hears voices constantly. Human rights grounds were cited, given the lack of suitable mental health care available in Nigeria where such conditions could be mistaken for demonic possession.

This individual was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment in 2011 for robbing a brothel and received another sentence in 2018 for supplying crack cocaine. Despite a deportation order issued in 2014, he has been classified as a high risk of harm to the public. Evidence from a medical evaluation also revealed his belief that he is possessed, which affects how he perceives his mental illness.

Upper Tribunal Judge Stephen Smith determined that Nigeria lacks adequate healthcare provisions for individuals like the convict. He stated that the man’s belief in demonic forces would likely result in him facing stigma and potential harm if he were returned to Nigeria. He noted that there is a significant risk the individual would be subjected to harmful interpretations of his mental health issues, reinforcing his fears of possession.

Amnesty International’s report indicated the high likelihood of the man being labeled as beset by demonic forces in Nigeria, leading to potential targeting and ostracism. The convict has expressed a genuine desire to reform, actively participating in community activities, such as volunteering and attending the gym regularly. His treatment for crack cocaine addiction continues, and he currently resides in his community instead of a secure facility.

This case highlights ongoing controversies where convicted foreign nationals invoke human rights laws to remain in the UK, joining several similar high-profile decisions where deportation was denied under claims of adverse effects on their families. Such decisions draw attention to the intersection of criminal justice, immigration policy, and mental health considerations in the context of human rights protections.

The case of the unnamed Nigerian convict emphasizes the complexities involved in deportation decisions concerning individuals with mental health issues. It underscores the UK’s obligation to provide humane treatment to individuals who may face severe repercussions upon their return to their home countries. This situation signifies the continuing debates around human rights, public safety, and the adequacy of mental health care internationally.

Original Source: www.gbnews.com