The Senate, through its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, has called on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu to intensify diplomatic efforts with Kenyan authorities over the alleged unlawful deportation of a Nigerian businessman, Igwe Nwaokpara.
Nwaokpara, in a petition to the Senate, claimed he was forcibly repatriated from Kenya on two occasions on orders of Nigerian authorities, despite having invested over $2.6 million in the East African country.
He also alleged that upon his return to Nigeria, his international passport was seized.
According to the petitioner, a court ruling had ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service to return his passport and pay a compensation of N6 million, yet the judgment has not been enforced.
Nwaokpara is appealing for intervention to recover his trapped investments and prevent Kenyan authorities from denying him access to his assets.
He further stated that if the properties have been nationalized, he should be duly compensated in accordance with international law.
Responding to the committee, Minister of state foreign affairs Bianca Ojukwu described Nwaokpara’s ordeal as deeply regrettable saying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will engage its Kenyan counterparts to resolve the matter diplomatically and secure justice for the Nigerian businessman.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
