Judge Orders Return of Wrongfully Deported Nigerian Man

Deportation Despite Protection Order

The Trump administration deported Etinosa Osahon to Nigeria, disregarding an existing order that protected him from being returned. An immigration judge had earlier found that Osahon faced torture by Nigerian officials, prompting action from a federal judge to remedy the situation.

Legal Intervention

Judge Michelle Williams Court, of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, issued a temporary restraining order compelling government disclosure about Osahon’s status. Osahon, now hiding in Togo, has contracted malaria and remains apart from his family in California.

Background of Osahon’s Immigration Case

Osahon came to the U.S. in 2002 as a lawful resident. Despite a conviction related to fraud, he was granted protection under the Convention Against Torture in 2012. The 2012 decision highlighted instances of torture, including beatings and forced confessions, marking his potential return as dangerous.

Violation of Rights

Judge Williams Court criticized federal officials for violating their regulations and due process laws. Osahon had adhered to his supervision terms without incident while building a family life in the U.S.

Deportation Details

Court filings detail how Osahon, under the belief of a standard immigration check-in, was detained and deported. He objected in Ghana, citing his Convention Against Torture protection, eventually finding refuge in Togo.

Current Legal Proceedings

Osahon’s habeas petition was converted to a civil lawsuit after his removal from the U.S. Judge Williams Court found compelling evidence that ICE did not properly terminate his protection or notify him of his deportation. Comparisons were made to a similar wrongful deportation case involving a Salvadorian national.

Next Steps

The court has barred further actions toward Osahon’s deportation to Nigeria and is insisting on transparency regarding his location and well-being. The government must report its efforts for his return to the judge by September 3, with a hearing following on September 4.