NIS Orders Re-Arrest of 5 Chinese Nationals in Ogun Over Immigration Violations

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the re-arrest of five Chinese nationals who were earlier detained for immigration violations while working at Royal Castle Ceramics in Ogun State.

The directive came after public outcry over their sudden release, which was allegedly secured through the lobbying of a retired senior NIS officer.

The expatriates had originally been detained and slated for deportation under Section 44 of the Immigration Act, before being abruptly freed. The move sparked widespread anger and raised concerns over corruption within immigration enforcement.

According to an internal NIS memo, the Service ordered their immediate re-arrest from Friday, August 22, 2025, to ensure a full investigation into their work activities and immigration status.

The affected individuals include:

• Guo Zhengheng (40) – Sales Manager on a business visa

• Tang Pan (41) – Interpreter on a Temporary Work Permit (TWP)

• Lin Jianfeng (52) – Business Manager on a TWP

• Zhang Damou (46) – Sales Manager

• Qian Jin (48) – Sales Manager on a TWP

Authorities cited Sections 36, 38, 56, and 105 of the Immigration Act (2015) as the legal basis for the arrests.

The controversy has placed Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap under growing pressure to act decisively. Civil society groups and stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and stronger enforcement to restore public trust in the NIS.

The Ministry of Interior has also launched an emergency review of expatriate quotas and licenses, not only for Royal Castle Ceramics but across Nigeria’s industrial sector, citing “widespread abuse of immigration privileges.”