UK Court Stops Deportation of Convicted Nigerian Armed Robber Over ‘Possessed’ Claim

A UK court has blocked the deportation of a Nigerian armed robber and drug dealer, citing concerns that his psychotic condition would be mistaken for “demonic possession” in his home country.

The man, whose identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons, was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for robbing a brothel at gunpoint. Seven years later, he was convicted again, this time for dealing crack cocaine. A deportation order was issued against him in April 2014, but he appealed on human rights grounds.

The case, reported by *The Telegraph*, is one of many where foreign criminals have used human rights laws to resist deportation. In this instance, the court ruled that Nigeria’s mental health care system would not provide adequate treatment for the offender’s psychosis.

Judge Stephen Smith of the Upper Tribunal noted that the man has a persistent belief that he is possessed, a view that could be reinforced upon his return to Nigeria. A report from Amnesty International supported this concern, warning that societal attitudes in Nigeria might worsen his condition and put him at risk of harm.

A separate medical report found that the offender experiences intrusive thoughts and nightmares, believing that demonic forces are “playing tricks with his mind.”

The court emphasized that deportation would remove the structured medical care he currently receives in the UK, making comparisons between both countries’ mental health services a crucial factor in the ruling.

Expressing remorse, the man pleaded for another chance, stating, “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.” His key worker noted that he regularly attends the gym and volunteers weekly as part of his rehabilitation efforts.