‘Demons From Nigeria After Me’ – UK Court Blocks Deportation Of Nigerian Over Witchcraft Fears

UK Court Blocks Deportation of Nigerian Criminal, Citing Mental Health Risks and Threat of Persecution Over Witchcraft Beliefs

A Nigerian man convicted of armed robbery and drug dealing has been granted permission to remain in the UK after claiming he is possessed by demons.

The man, whose identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons, was first sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for an armed robbery at a brothel. After his release, he was jailed again in 2018 for supplying crack cocaine.

Despite a deportation order issued against him in April 2014, he appealed on human rights grounds, citing severe psychiatric conditions. Since then, he has spent much of his time in a secure mental health facility, receiving treatment for his condition.

Mental Health Diagnosis and Claims of Demonic Possession

A medical report submitted to the court revealed that the man suffers from a trauma-related disorder with psychotic features. According to the report, he experiences intrusive memories, nightmares, and a deep-seated belief that supernatural forces are manipulating his mind.

The court was informed that his mental health condition was exacerbated by his perception that he was possessed by demons. The judge noted that these beliefs could significantly impact how he would be treated if returned to Nigeria, where societal fears of witchcraft and demonic possession remain prevalent.

Court Ruling

Judge Stephen Smith, who presided over the case, ruled that a previous judge had made an error in law when handling the man’s appeal. He acknowledged that the man’s strong belief in demonic possession could put him at risk if deported to Nigeria.

“We assess that him expressing this belief would increase the likelihood that others will see his illness as being a manifestation of possession,”

Judge Smith stated in his ruling.

A report by Amnesty International supported this argument, warning that the man could face significant dangers in Nigeria due to local superstitions and stigmatization of mental health disorders.

The report stated:

“It is our assessment that on return to Nigeria, the appellant is likely to encounter widespread attitudes that confirm and amplify his belief in demonic forces and witchcraft as being at the root of his problems.
He is, moreover, at substantial risk of being identified as suffering from demonic forces and faces a resultant risk of being targeted as a result.”

Court Prioritizes Mental Health Treatment Over Deportation

The court determined that deporting the man would remove him from the structured treatment environment he currently has access to in the UK. Given the limited mental health care services available in Nigeria, judges concluded that deportation could lead to severe consequences for his well-being.

Additionally, the man has reportedly expressed a desire to move away from his criminal past. Court records indicate that he has been engaging in rehabilitation activities, including attending the gym regularly and volunteering in community programs.

For now, he remains in the UK as a new hearing is set to take place, determining his long-term immigration status.