Canadian Court Grants Asylum Relief to IPOB Lawyer and Children Amid Bribery Allegations

The Canadian federal court in Toronto, Ontario, has decided to review the asylum application of Promise Nosiri, a lawyer associated with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after initially denying her request. This decision comes after allegations surfaced that Nosiri’s husband bribed Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) officials to secure his release.

Documents reveal that Madam Justice Go overturned the previous decision on April 3, citing new evidence provided by Nosiri. The lawyer claims persecution by SSS agents due to her alleged ties with IPOB, stating that her husband was detained and released only after bribing an SSS officer, described as a friend.

Initially, the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) dismissed Nosiri’s claims, deeming them “unreasonable” and questioning why she did not seek legal recourse in Nigeria. However, new evidence, including text messages from Nosiri’s husband detailing his detention and release, along with photos implicating her connection to an IPOB member, persuaded the court to reconsider her case.

Madam Justice Go found the evidence credible and relevant, ordering a review of Nosiri’s asylum application by a different panel. As a result, Nosiri and her two children will remain in Canada until a new determination is made.

Representing Nosiri was Anna Davtyan of Dov Maierovitz EME Professional Corp, while Brad Gotkin acted on behalf of the respondent, Attorney General of Canada. This decision marks a temporary reprieve for Nosiri and her family amidst ongoing legal proceedings.