In a surprising turn of events, Canadian immigration authorities have rejected the asylum application of retired Nigerian policeman Wale Akinpelu and his wife, Ajarat Mojirola. The couple, who fled Nigeria in 2017, claimed they were targeted by a criminal gang. However, their plea for refuge was denied due to Mr. Akinpelu’s 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. The couple first sought refuge in the United States before moving to Canada in 2018, where they applied for refugee protection. 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 subsequently suspended his application and later denied it on grounds of violating human or international rights due to his former profession. The judicial review upheld the decision, solidifying the couple’s rejection of securing asylum in Canada.
This development raises questions about the challenges faced by asylum seekers with controversial backgrounds and the stringent measures taken by countries like Canada to uphold their immigration policies. It also highlights the complexities involved in assessing the credibility and safety of individuals fleeing persecution while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.
