United Methodist Bishop Nhiwatiwa deported from Ni...

United Methodist Bishop Nhiwatiwa deported from Nigeria as same sex marriage dispute tears the church apart

Zimbabwe Bishop: Immigration Incident in Nigeria Was for Safety, Not Visa Dispute - United Methodist Insight

Zim Now Reporter

Nigeria Immigration Service has announced the repatriation of Zimbabwean Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa on August 24, 2024, for violating Nigerian immigration laws.

“The Service encourages lawful FDIs and business activities, recognising their role in economic growth and development. However, it will not tolerate violations of immigration laws,” NIS said in a statement signed by Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and spokesman of the agency, Kenneth Udo.

The NIS reportedly arrested the cleric in Yola, Adamawa State on allegations of breaching immigration protocols.

NIS said Nhiwatiwa entered Nigeria on August 21, 2024, using a Tourist Visa (F5A), strictly meant for tourism activities.

Authorities then found out that Nhiwatiwa was participating in the Methodist Church leadership election, which violated the visa terms under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.

The Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandep, with ministerial approval, immediately ordered his repatriation.

The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has called for the immediate release of Nhiwatiwa, attributing the incident to actions by a factional group within the church opposed to the Bishop’s presence.

The church confirmed that it is facing strife due to disagreements over same-sex marriage discussions at a recent international conference in the United States, and one faction reportedly sold out Nhiwatiwa to NIS.

Authorities have moved to shut down all branches of the church in some areas to avoid clashes between dissenting member groups.