Atiku, El-Rufai, Other Top Nigerian Politicians Banned From Certain Countries

Several Nigerian politicians have been banned or barred from entering various countries due to allegations ranging from corruption to human rights violations.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that these travel restrictions, particularly from Western nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, underscore the global community’s stance on governance, democracy, and the rule of law, serving as a means to hold political figures accountable for their actions. Here are some notable examples:

1. Nasir El-Rufai (Former Governor of Kaduna State):

   El-Rufai

   In 2019, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State and ex-minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was reportedly banned from entering the United States due to allegations of human rights abuses and his controversial handling of security issues during his tenure.

2. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Former Governor of Bayelsa State):

   Diepreye Alamieyeseigha

   Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of Bayelsa State, was banned from entering the United States after his conviction for money laundering and corruption-related offenses. He gained notoriety for jumping bail in the UK by disguising himself as a woman.

3. James Ibori (Former Governor of Delta State):

   James Ibori

   James Ibori, former governor of Delta State, faced bans from multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, following his conviction for corruption and money laundering. Arrested in Dubai and extradited to the UK, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

4. Ahmed Sani Yerima (Former Governor of Zamfara State):

   Ahmed Sani Yerima

   Ahmed Sani Yerima, former governor of Zamfara State and a senator, was reportedly banned from entering the United States due to his role in introducing Sharia law in Zamfara, which led to concerns over human rights abuses.

5. Rotimi Amaechi (Former Minister of Transportation):
   Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, was rumored to have faced U.S. travel restrictions due to corruption allegations. Although details of a formal ban are unclear, media reports suggested he was on a list of officials with visa restrictions.
6. Mohammed Abacha (Son of Former Head of State, Sani Abacha):

   Mohammed Abacha

   Mohammed Abacha, son of Nigeria’s former military head of state, Sani Abacha, faced travel bans and asset freezes from countries like the United States and Switzerland due to his involvement in the massive looting of Nigeria’s treasury during his father’s regime.

7. Atiku Abubakar (Former Vice President):

   Atiku Abubakar

   Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president, was barred from entering the United States for years due to corruption allegations linked to a bribery scandal involving U.S. Congressman William Jefferson. However, the restrictions appeared to have been lifted when Atiku visited the U.S. in 2019 ahead of the presidential election.

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The NMDPRA also urged marketers to desist from profiteering, warning that the agency would not tolerate operators exploiting Nigerians amid the challenging economic climate.

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