US-BASED NIGERIAN ALLEGEDLY DETAINED AT PRAYER CENTRE FOR 17 DAYS OVER CIGARETTE SMOKING

A Nigerian man who reportedly returned from the United States after 23 years abroad has raised the alarm over his alleged forceful confinement at a religious prayer centre in Nigeria.

In a disturbing account, the man said he returned to Nigeria and asked his family to show him the house he had been sending money home to build, only to be told that the property was still under construction.

He said his family subsequently suggested taking him somewhere for prayers before his return to the United States. Trusting their intentions, he agreed to accompany them.

However, on arriving at the location, reportedly belonging to an Islamic cleric (Alfa), he alleged that he was suddenly pushed into a room where several other people had been held for periods ranging from six months to one year.

Describing the experience, he said the living conditions at the facility were deplorable and questioned why he had been taken there without his consent.

According to him, he has spent 17 days at the centre, with those responsible allegedly claiming that his cigarette-smoking habit was the reason for his confinement.

Defending himself, the man insisted that he was neither mentally ill nor an alcoholic, arguing that smoking cigarettes should not be used as justification for depriving him of his freedom.

He also expressed shock at his physical appearance after spending days in the facility, saying he now looked homeless despite having lived abroad for 23 years.

His account has raised serious concerns about alleged unlawful confinement, the treatment of vulnerable individuals in religious rehabilitation centres, and the need for authorities to investigate facilities where people are reportedly held against their will.

The circumstances surrounding his confinement, the identity of the facility and the family’s response remain to be independently established.