Canadian immigration authorities have reportedly denied the asylum application of retired Nigerian policeman, Wale Akinpelu, and his wife, Ajarat Mojirola, citing concerns over his past employment with the Nigeria Police Force. The force has long been criticized for corruption, misconduct, and human rights violations, which allegedly influenced the decision of the Canadian government.
The verdict was handed down by Justice Norris of a federal court in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 2, 2025, reaffirming the Canadian immigration authorities’ rejection of the couple’s refugee status request. The ruling was initially reported by Peoples Gazette Nigeria.
The Akinpelus left Nigeria in 2017, stating that they were under threat from a criminal gang that had targeted them. According to court records, Mrs. Akinpelu first relocated to the United States in May 2017, while her husband followed in October 2017 after resigning from his position in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The couple later moved to Canada in 2018, where they applied for refugee protection, citing threats to their lives due to Mr. Akinpelu’s past law enforcement career.
During the legal proceedings, Mr. Akinpelu reportedly acknowledged that some of his former colleagues in the police force, whom he described as corrupt, had personal grievances against him. This revelation reportedly raised concerns among Canadian immigration officials about his possible involvement in or association with past misconduct within the force.
As a result, Canadian immigration authorities decided to suspend his application before ultimately rejecting it on the grounds of violating human or international rights due to his former profession. The decision was subsequently upheld in a judicial review, making it impossible for the couple to secure asylum in Canada.