The Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru has ordered a Nigerian national, Onuoha Agha, to leave India over allegations bordering on forgery, cheating and conspiracy.
The court’s directive followed an undertaking by the 42-year-old, who agreed to return to Nigeria after spending about two years in detention.
Agha had been prosecuted under the Foreigners Act, the Information Technology Act and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
In its ruling, the court directed him to immediately exit the country, describing the decision as the most practical resolution under the circumstances.
“The only direction that can be granted… is that he shall forthwith leave the shores of this nation,” the court held.
It further ordered security and cybercrime authorities to discontinue the criminal case, citing his willingness to self-deport.
The court also mandated the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office to commence deportation procedures at his expense, including securing emergency travel documents from the Nigerian Consulate.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised foreign embassies over delays in returning passports after visa applications.
“I agree completely… If applications are rejected, there should be refunds, at least partially,” she said while reacting to concerns raised by social commentator Japheth Omojuwa on prolonged visa processing delays.