A Nigerian man convicted of armed robbery and drug trafficking has escaped deportation from the United Kingdom after a judge ruled that his perceived “possession” could put him at risk if returned to his home country.
The man, whose identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons, was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for an armed robbery at a brothel. In 2018, he was jailed again for dealing crack cocaine.
Despite a deportation order issued in April 2014, he successfully appealed on human rights grounds, prolonging his stay in the UK for over a decade.
His case has been defended on the basis that his belief in possession, coupled with inadequate mental health support in Nigeria, could endanger his well-being.
After spending considerable time in a secure psychiatric hospital, he now resides in the community, though experts still classify him as a “high risk of serious harm” to the public.
He also remains addicted to crack cocaine.
Judge Stephen Smith overturned a previous ruling, citing a legal error in evaluating the case. He noted that the man’s persistent belief in possession could subject him to societal stigmatization in Nigeria.
“We assess that his expression of this belief would increase the likelihood of others perceiving his illness as a manifestation of possession,” Smith stated, as reported by The Telegraph.
A report from Amnesty International, presented during the appeal, warned that his return to Nigeria could expose him to societal attitudes that reinforce his belief in demonic possession and potentially put him at risk.
Medical evaluations diagnosed him with a trauma-related disorder with psychotic symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and a fixation on supernatural forces affecting his mind.
He also reported experiencing sleep paralysis, which he attributed to demonic interference.
During the hearing, the man expressed his commitment to staying away from crime.
“I really want to stay away from crime. I don’t want to get into that predicament again … I want to live a normal life,” he said.
His key worker testified that he had been engaging in positive activities, including regular gym sessions and volunteer work.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the broader implications of the case.
Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, questioned why Britain should bear the responsibility for a foreign national with a serious criminal record.
“This is a worrying situation. Why should our country be responsible for the healthcare of individuals from other nations who have committed serious crimes?” he said.
“I acknowledge his mental health struggles, but why should Britain fund his treatment and allow him to remain when he poses a significant risk?”
Following the ruling, the case is now set for a fresh hearing.