Canadian immigration authorities have allegedly rejected the asylum application of retired Nigerian policeman Wale Akinpelu and his wife, Ajarat Mojirola, citing his past employment with the Nigeria Police Force, an institution widely criticized for corruption and human rights violations.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Norris of a federal court in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 2, upheld the rejection of the couple’s refugee status request, Peoples Gazette Nigeria reported.
The Akinpelus fled Nigeria in 2017, claiming they were being targeted by a criminal gang.
According to court documents, Mrs. Akinpelu first left for the U.S. in May 2017, followed by her husband in October 2017 after he resigned from the Nigeria Police Force, NPF. The couple later moved to Canada in 2018, where they applied for refugee protection, citing threats to their lives.
However, during the proceedings, Mr. Akinpelu admitted that some of his former corrupt police colleagues had “scores to settle” with him, raising concerns about his past involvement in the force.
Canadian immigration authorities consequently suspended his application and later denied it on grounds of violating human or international rights due to his former profession.
A judicial review upheld the decision, solidifying the couple’s rejection of securing asylum in Canada.