By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canadian immigration authorities have reportedly denied asylum to Wale Francis Akinpelu, a retired Nigerian police officer, and his wife, Ajarat Mojirola.
They were denied asylum due to concerns over his past service in the Nigerian police force.
The decision was based on allegations of human rights violations linked to the Nigerian police, which has faced accusations of corruption and misconduct.
The couple left Nigeria in 2017, claiming they were fleeing threats from a criminal gang.
Mrs. Akinpelu first traveled to the United States in May 2017, and her husband joined her in October after resigning from the police.
In 2018, they moved to Canada and applied for refugee protection, arguing that they were at risk of harm if they returned to Nigeria.
However, Canadian authorities questioned Mr. Akinpelu’s credibility due to his association with the Nigerian police.
His application was suspended, and later, a federal court upheld its rejection, ruling that his past employment disqualified him from asylum under human rights laws.
The couple’s applications were processed separately.
Mrs. Akinpelu’s request was initially denied in 2019 after authorities found inconsistencies in her claims.
She appealed the decision, leading to a new hearing, but her asylum application was rejected again in February 2023.
The court ruled that her evidence contained contradictions, and some documents appeared fraudulent.
In her legal challenge, she argued that the rejection process was unfair.
However, Justice Norris ruled against her, stating that her claims relied heavily on her husband’s statements, which lacked credibility.
The judge pointed out that she failed to provide substantial proof to support her fears of persecution.
With both asylum requests denied, Canadian authorities are set to proceed with the deportation process for the couple.