In a significant ruling, Justice Ngo of a federal court in Ontario, Canada, has denied a retired Nigerian police officer’s request for a review of his asylum appeal, citing the pervasive corruption associated with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The case highlights the challenges faced by former security personnel seeking refuge in Canada due to their ties to a system notorious for extortion and bribery.
Martins Peter Nwokolo, who served as a traffic warden in Nigeria, faced two prior rejections of his asylum application by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) and the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). He appealed to the federal court, claiming the decisions were unreasonable and breached procedural fairness.
In her ruling,
Justice Ngo upheld the findings of the RPD and RAD, which concluded that Nwokolo’s role in the police force subjected him to the category of individuals who have committed “serious non-political crimes.” The court noted that the RPD found credible evidence suggesting that officers within the NPF, including traffic wardens, are integral to a corrupt system.
Despite Nwokolo’s protests, asserting he never engaged in bribery or extortion during his service, the court maintained that the evidence presented by the RPD was substantial enough to warrant the denial of asylum. Justice Ngo remarked, “The RPD found serious reasons to consider that the Applicant committed, under Article 1F(b) of the Convention, serious non-political crimes prior to entering Canada.”
Nwokolo, who has been a Pastor at the Chapel of Power Ministries since 2005, claimed that his decision to reject a position as chief priest in Nigeria led to his persecution, prompting his eventual migration to Canada after a stint in the United States.
The ruling underscores the difficulties faced by former Nigerian police officers in securing asylum in Canada, reflecting broader concerns about the international perception of the NPF and its reputation for corruption.
As the legal battle continues, the implications of this case will likely resonate within the Nigerian diaspora and beyond, raising questions about the intersection of law, morality, and the quest for safety in foreign lands.
For more updates on this story and other news, visit Newspot Nigeria.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
