Foreign
FG seeks stronger US ties amid Trump’s deportation threats
The message was conveyed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Tuesday.
Nigeria stressed the strong and historic ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared cooperation in areas such as the promotion of good governance, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement expressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States under President Trump’s leadership, to advance the interests and well-being of both nations’ citizens.
The Federal Government said Nigeria looked forward to continued collaboration with the US in addressing global challenges and fostering mutual growth.
The statement read, “Nigeria and the United States of America have enjoyed cooperation in diverse areas of mutual interest, especially in the promotion of good governance, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
“Nigeria, therefore, looks forward to further strengthening our historic, strong, and vibrant strategic partnership for the benefit of all our people.”
Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday during a historic inauguration ceremony held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather.
Meanwhile, Nigerians in the United States were on Tuesday reassured that large-scale deportation efforts are unlikely to materialise, even as immigration policies are expected to become stricter.
Fears of mass deportations under Donald Trump’s administration may be overblown, according to experts who cite constitutional and logistical challenges as significant barriers.
During his speech, Trump touched on issues including immigration, border control, economic reforms, and energy policies.
Among the first executive orders signed by Trump was an attempt to end birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the US Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court for over 125 years.
Trump also declared a national emergency at the southern border, announcing measures to combat illegal immigration and pledging to halt all illegal entry.
However, the Chairman Emeritus of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas and Director of the African Diaspora Congress, Obed Monago, who spoke to our correspondent reassured Nigerians in the US that fears of mass deportations under the Trump administration are unfounded.
According to Monago, the US Constitution does not allow mass deportations through executive orders, as such measures typically require Congressional approval.
He stressed the significant resources needed for such an initiative, resources that have not been allocated. Additionally, opposition from many border towns and counties further complicates the feasibility of implementing mass deportations.
Monago believes the Trump administration’s deportation threats are likely to remain unfulfilled campaign promises, though he acknowledges that US immigration policies are likely to become stricter.
“I don’t envision deportations of that magnitude to take place, so, the level of fear and anxiety should be minimal.
“For one, the constitution of the United States does not empower such actions through executive orders, but usually, through the act of the congress. So, expect some checks and balances.
“The deportation at the magnitude he is talking about can only be taken at the face value, because it is not feasible, given the amount of resources it will require. Such resources have not been appropriated for.
“The Trump administration will also need the cooperation of border towns and counties, some of which have out-rightly and openly kicked against such massive deportation initiatives.
“So, in the final analysis, Trump’s deportation threat can only be taken simply as an unfilled campaign promise. But, do not discount the fact that immigration policies of the United States will change,” he explained.
With the Republican Party in control of both the legislative and executive branches, more drastic measures are anticipated.
However, Monago argued that deporting millions of people is unrealistic. He noted that individuals with criminal records are the most likely to face heightened scrutiny under any new policies.
Also, a Nigerian technocrat living in Minnesota, Chief Azuka Aghenu, raised concerns about how specific policies could impact Nigerians, particularly undocumented immigrants and those holding visitor or business visas.
Aghenu advised Nigerians to avoid applying for employment illegally, engaging in unlawful activities, or driving under the influence, as these actions could attract the attention of immigration authorities.
He also warned that Nigerians traveling to the US to give birth for the purpose of securing citizenship for their children may face stricter enforcement under the administration’s policies.
“Two policies of Trump would affect Nigerians; those Nigerians without proper documentation residing in the US and those with visitors or business visas.
“If Nigerians in the US have immigration issues, they must not apply for employment, get drunk, or drive around.
“Those Nigerians that have plans of coming to the US to give birth to their children all in the name of citizenship, the policy would affect them,” he stated.
Additionally, Aghenu highlighted another area of concern: rising medication costs under new executive actions.
“One of executive actions that will affect Nigerian living in the USA will be on medication drug cost for those on Medicare and Medicaid, the lowered prices for drug cost will go up exponentially,” he noted.
A Nigerian resident in the US, who spoke on condition of anonymity, raised concerns about how specific policies could impact Nigerians, particularly undocumented immigrants and those holding visitor or business visas.
The source also warned that Nigerians travelling to the US to give birth to secure citizenship for their children may face stricter enforcement under the administration’s policies.
“Two policies of Trump would affect Nigerians; those Nigerians without proper documentation residing in the US and those with visitors or business visas.
“If Nigerians in the US have immigration issues, they must not apply for employment, get drunk, or drive around.
“Those Nigerians that have plans of coming to the US to give birth to their children all in the name of citizenship, the policy would affect them,” the source stated.
Additionally, the source highlighted another area of concern: rising medication costs under new executive actions.
“One of the executive actions that will affect Nigerian living in the USA will be on medication drug cost for those on Medicare and Medicaid, the lowered prices for drug cost will go up exponentially,” he noted.
Furthermore, a retired ambassador, Rasheed Akinkuolie, advised Nigerians abroad to have a clear plan for their future, particularly for retirement and urged them to invest prudently in Nigeria.
Akinkuolie emphasised the importance of building a sustainable life in their home country and adhering to cultural values in relationships.
“Nigerians leaving the country should think twice and weigh the options and opportunities available to them in Nigeria. There are good opportunities in Nigeria, for those who can dare and endure.
“The Nigerians living abroad should have a plan for the future, especially plan for old age when they can no longer work. They will not like to face the indignity of ending up in old people’s homes.
“The trend is that many people, especially the elderly are returning home to settle down.
“The younger people working abroad should be prudent with their earnings, invest wisely in Nigeria and avoid being defrauded. Nigerian couples should follow the excellent examples of Indians, who do not resort to extreme violence in settling their differences. There should be adherence to African culture and traditions in relationships,” he stated.
Also, a research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Femi Otubanjo said Donald Trump’s threat of mass deportation was due to the perception among some white Americans of being under siege due to immigration.
According to Otubanjo, the growing influx of non-white immigrants is perceived as one that could alter America’s political balance, which has fueled Trump’s rhetoric and policies.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Otubanjo described Trump as a “racist” and an “extreme rightist” who aligns with the interests of Christian nationalists and far-right groups.
Otubanjo noted that Trump’s stance on immigration is rooted in a broader fear among white Americans of losing political and cultural dominance.
“He (Trump) believes America has decayed because of the inclusion of foreigners. This ties into fears that immigrants might shift the political balance in favour of non-whites,” Otubanjo said.
He explained that Trump’s administration targeted individuals with incomplete or inaccurate immigration documents, leading to a higher risk of deportation.
“Many people who overstayed their visitor visas or converted them into long-term stays are at greater risk. The policy also aims to eliminate automatic citizenship for children born in America to non-citizens,” he added.
Democrat states sue Trump
Meanwhile, Democrat-led states and civil rights groups on Tuesday filed lawsuits challenging Trump’s executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship in the United States.
The order, issued shortly after Trump took office, denies US citizenship to children born in the country to mothers who are undocumented or temporary visa holders, and whose fathers are not citizens or lawful permanent residents.
A coalition of 18 states, along with the District of Columbia and the city of San Francisco, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston, arguing that the order violates the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.
This clause affirms that anyone born in the United States is a citizen.
“State attorneys general have been preparing for illegal actions like this one, and today’s immediate lawsuit sends a clear message to the Trump administration that we will stand up for our residents and their basic constitutional rights,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.
The lawsuits reference the US Supreme Court’s 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established that children born in the United States to non-citizen parents are entitled to citizenship.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell criticized the order, stating it could strip citizenship from more than 150,000 children born in the US each year.
“President Trump does not have the authority to take away constitutional rights,” she said in a statement.
Among the plaintiffs is a Massachusetts woman with temporary protected status who is due to give birth in March.
Additional lawsuits were filed in New Hampshire, with cases likely to be reviewed by the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals. This court, based in Boston, is notable for having judges appointed exclusively by Democratic presidents.
In addition to the birthright citizenship order, other lawsuits have been filed against Trump’s executive actions, including one that eases the firing of federal employees and another challenging the Elon Musk-led “Department of Government Efficiency.”
The White House has not commented on the lawsuits.
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has finalised a new rule limiting most foreign students and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years, unless they obtain an extension from the federal government, The Washington Post reported on Thursday.
The new regulation, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ends the long-standing “duration of status” policy, which allowed international students to remain in the United States for the length of their academic programmes, provided they complied with visa requirements.
The restriction applies to holders of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas.
According to The Washington Post, the DHS acknowledged concerns that some students may struggle to complete their academic programmes within the new timeframe, noting that many bachelor’s degree programmes take more than four years to complete, while doctoral programmes often require significantly longer.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the change was necessary to strengthen immigration enforcement and reduce visa overstays.
“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” Mullin said.
The policy has drawn criticism from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, which described the move as unnecessary and warned that it would create uncertainty for international students.
“DHS’ decision to end Duration of Status is a misguided and unnecessary policy shift that injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long worked effectively,” NAFSA Executive Director Fanta Aw said.
The new rule comes as many US colleges and universities continue to face challenges in attracting international students amid tighter immigration policies and visa restrictions introduced by the Trump administration.
A coroner’s court in the United Kingdom has ruled that a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, Beatrice Solomon, died by suicide after battling mental health challenges linked to personal difficulties.
Beatrice, who relocated from Nigeria to the UK on a skilled worker visa in November 2023, was found unresponsive in her home on Norris Road, Stanfield.
According to a report by The Sentinel on Sunday, the inquest heard that her husband, Damian Butler, had left home for his delivery job at about 4:30 pm on the day of the incident before returning approximately two hours later to use the toilet, where he discovered his wife unresponsive.
A police officer, PC Hinchliffe, told the court that emergency responders arrived shortly afterwards, but Beatrice was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:21pm.
According to the report, the investigators ruled out any third-party involvement in her death.
During the hearing, Butler told the court that his wife had struggled with her mental health over the past year, which he attributed to ongoing issues involving Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
He also disclosed that he later became aware that Beatrice had made two previous attempts to take her life.
“It is clear to me that Beatrice had researched and planned how to take her life. I can only extend my sincere condolences to Beatrice’s family and friends,” the coroner said.
Beatrice, who worked as a carer in the UK, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.
This tragedy highlights the emotional and mental health challenges some migrants may face while adjusting to life in a new country.
According to the World Health Organisation, research from various countries has shown that some migrants face increased mental health risks due to factors such as separation from their families, financial stress, uncertainty, discrimination, and cultural barriers.
The WHO stated that the findings underscore the need for accessible mental health support and timely interventions for migrants experiencing psychological distress.
Israel recently shared intelligence with the US about a new Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump, according to a report.
The latest assassination plan, reported by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, comes after years of Iranian regime threats to kill Trump as revenge for the 2020 killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Gen. Qasem Soleimani by US forces.
When asked for comment, the White House referred The Post to Trump’s Wednesday remarks at the NATO summit in Ankara.
Trump traveled to Turkey on his new Qatari “palace in the sky” plane, but took a different Air Force One home. The plane switch was a strategic “distraction” to keep the commander-in-chief safe, the White House said.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who accompanied the president to the summit, was instructed not to travel to Israel as planned shortly before Trump chose to switch planes in Turkey. It’s unclear if the Iranian threat extended to the war secretary.
Trump terminates remaining members of Election Assistance Commission after landmark Supreme Court ruling expanded his powers
The Journal report did not include details of the alleged assassination plot.
The Israelis tipped the US off about the plot earlier this week. The specific threat was not being tracked by US officials before Israel’s warning and has yet to be vetted, CNN reported.
A banner against President Trump is held in Tehran as mourners gather on the day of burial of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The warning comes as Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become somewhat fraught amid the Iran war.
Trump on June 1 told Netanyahu he was “f–king crazy” over his attacks on Lebanon, fearing they would provoke more war with Iran.
”You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this,” a US official summarized Trump’s comments, which the president later confirmed to The Post.
The world leaders have spoken on at least two occasions since the tense June 1 call, including Thursday, and have agreed to meet “in the near future,” according to Netanyahu’s office.
Banners vowing revenge against Trump were on full display in Tehran this week as Iranians prepared to bury late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war.
This was disclosed in a statement released on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday.
The DHS claimed that these individuals have been placed on what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
While the names and photos have been made public, the timeline for deportations remains undisclosed.
However, the US immigration authorities explained that the deportations are part of ongoing immigration enforcement, stressing that those listed were convicted of serious crimes, but declined to provide details about the offences or when deportations would take place.
The statement read: “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”
The website then listed: “Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba.”
Others are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.
There are also Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba, and Akeem Adeleke.
Also listed were Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
The latest action is part of the sweeping immigration enforcement measures introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump after his return to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to intensify border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants.
One of the orders, titled: “Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security.”
Defending the policy, the DHS said the administration was delivering on Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders.
The department said officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had been directed to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the crackdown, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with President Trump’s immigration agenda.Executive Branch
Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, reflecting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America.
The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as enforcement operations continue.
Nigeria has also come under increased scrutiny by the Trump administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.Demographics.
The PUNCH
The parents of a Nigerian student convicted of robbery and blackmail in the United Kingdom have appealed to the authorities to review the verdict, insisting that their son was wrongly convicted and is innocent of all the charges against him.
Mr Aderinkola Akinrinola and Mrs Olayinka Akinrinola made the appeal in a statement released in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, following the conviction of their son, Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, by a UK court on June 19, 2026.
He is currently being held in a prison in Nottingham pending his sentencing, scheduled for July 27.
The distraught parents alleged that the conviction was based largely on circumstantial evidence and their son’s association with the principal suspect in the case.
They explained that their son met Richile Vagnu shortly after resuming his studies as a first-year student at Leicester University in September 2025, describing their relationship as that of acquaintances rather than close associates.
“Our son was present at the party where the incident took place, but he was never involved in the robbery,” the parents said.
They claimed that some of the victims testified in court that Oluwatobiloba was not among those who robbed them and that he only briefly entered the room where the incident occurred, asked what was happening and left after making it clear that he did not want to be involved.
The parents further stated that investigators found evidence of money transfers made by victims to accounts linked to other suspects, but found no such transactions in their son’s bank records.
They also alleged that CCTV footage presented during the trial did not place their son at the scene of the alleged robbery, apart from showing him arriving at the party.
According to them, the police were unable to produce some of the suspects in court because they allegedly failed to honour police invitations.
The family further claimed that one of the victims testified that Oluwatobiloba appeared to be trying to assist those affected rather than participating in the crime.
They disclosed that shortly after the incident, their son came across a social media video that allegedly linked him to the attack.
Concerned by the allegations, he reportedly contacted the police voluntarily and offered to present himself for questioning.
According to the parents, officers informed him at the time that he was not considered a suspect.
Describing their son as a calm and sociable young man with no previous criminal record, the couple appealed to the UK authorities to re-examine the case.
They also called on relevant authorities, legal institutions and human rights organisations to look into the circumstances surrounding the conviction and ensure that justice is served.
The statement read in part, “Our son, Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, was wrongfully convicted of robbery and blackmail. We are Mr Aderinkola Akinrinola and Mrs Olayinka Akinrinola, parents of Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, who was wrongfully convicted of robbery and blackmail by the UK government on June 19, 2026. He has been remanded in Nottingham Prison pending sentencing on July 27, 2026.
“Our son is innocent of the charges against him. The police argument against him is that he is guilty by association with the prime suspect. The only evidence presented in court against our son is a picture he took with Richile Vagnu, the prime suspect, and CCTV footage showing him entering the venue of the party where the robbery took place on November 21, 2025. Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola met Richile Vagnu in October after resuming school in September as a fresher at Leicester University. They were, at best, acquaintances.
The parents’ statement added, “While our son was present at the party where the robbery took place, he was never part of the robbery. Some of the victims also confirmed this in court. As recorded in his statement, he briefly entered the room where the robbery was taking place, questioned the prime suspect about what was happening and then left, insisting that he did not want to be part of it.
“The robbery victims said they were robbed of their jackets and footwear, and none of the items was found in our son’s possession after police searched his apartment. The police said they found evidence that money was transferred by the victims to the accounts of the other suspects, Vagnu and Ayomide Ibraheem, but no such evidence was found in our son’s bank records.
“The court insists our son is guilty but allowed other suspects to go scot-free, including Ayomide Ibraheem, whom victims identified as the person preventing them from leaving the room during the robbery. In all the CCTV footage played by the police in court, our son did not appear at the scene of the crime. He was only seen entering the party. The police also failed to produce the other suspects in court, despite allegations that they received money from the victims. The police said they did not honour invitations.
“Victims testified that our son was not involved. In fact, one of the victims said he was trying to help them. A few days after the robbery incident, our son saw a misleading video online posted by a TikTok influencer linking him to the attack. He immediately contacted the police and told them he was willing to come in for questioning because he was not involved in the robbery. The police told him not to bother because he was not a suspect.
“Our son is a calm and sociable young man who has never been linked to any criminal activity before now. Please help us. We are devastated. We simply want the world to hear our side of the story. Our son is about to suffer for a crime he did not commit. His life is about to be destroyed for something he did not do. We want the UK government to review the case and ensure that justice is done.”
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