Nigerian Robber Allowed to Stay in UK Due to Mental Health Issues

A Nigerian convict, facing deportation for armed robbery and drug dealing, has been allowed to remain in the UK due to mental health issues and the belief that he is possessed. A judge ruled that he would not receive adequate treatment in Nigeria, which could exacerbate his condition. The case reveals ongoing tensions in the application of human rights laws involving foreign criminals in Britain.

A Nigerian man convicted of armed robbery and drug dealing has been permitted to remain in the United Kingdom, despite having been under a deportation order for over a decade. The individual, who is unnamed for legal reasons, suffers from significant mental health challenges, including psychosis, and believes he hears persistent voices. A British judge ruled against his deportation, citing human rights concerns due to the inadequate mental health treatment available in Nigeria.

The convict was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for committing armed robbery at a brothel and was incarcerated again in 2018 for supplying crack cocaine. His history prompted serious risk assessments by experts, who categorized him as a potential threat to public safety. Prior evaluations revealed that he experiences trauma-related disorders and is convinced that his mental illness is a result of demonic possession, further complicating his situation.

Judge Stephen Smith acknowledged the appellant’s conviction to be informed by his beliefs that his mental health struggles stem from possession. “We note the appellant’s recurring belief that his mental ill-health is a result of being possessed,” the judge stated. Smith also asserted that Nigeria would likely not offer him appropriate mental health care, therefore justifying his continued presence in the UK.

Reports from Amnesty International highlighted that the convict faces severe risks in Nigeria due to perceptions of witchcraft that could lead to stigmatization and victimization. It was emphasized that he might encounter widespread societal attitudes that support his belief in demonic forces, thereby worsening his mental health crisis. Despite his criminal background, he has expressed a desire for positive change and personal reform, regularly attending the gym and engaging in volunteer work.

This case is part of an ongoing pattern wherein foreign offenders leverage human rights protections to avoid deportation from the UK. Previous notable cases include an Albanian national who escaped removal by citing the emotional well-being of his son and a Pakistani man whose deportation was deemed excessively harsh in relation to his children. Such instances raise pressing questions regarding the application of human rights laws in matters of public safety and immigration.

In conclusion, the case of the Nigerian man highlights the complexities surrounding deportation laws within the context of mental health and human rights. Despite his criminal history, courts have prioritized his mental health needs over deportation due to potential risks in Nigeria. The ruling exemplifies ongoing debates about balancing criminal justice with humanitarian considerations, illustrating how the legal framework can be invoked to protect individuals who may otherwise face dire consequences upon return to their home countries.

Original Source: www.gbnews.com