Nigerian national deported from Hyderabad for illegal stay, alleged drug links
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad City Police’s Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing on January 13, 2026 deported a Nigerian national who was found staying illegally in India after the expiry of his passport and visa, officials said. Police said the action was taken to prevent his alleged involvement in activities detrimental to national security.
The foreigner was identified as Obasi James Victor, 38, a native of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a resident of New Delhi. Police said he had entered India on a tourist visa in 2011 and had continued to stay in the country after the validity of his travel documents lapsed.
According to the police, Obasi was apprehended while moving suspiciously within the limits of Tolichowki Police Station. During questioning, he failed to produce valid documents related to his stay in Hyderabad and admitted to overstaying after the expiry of his passport and visa.
Business activities, alleged drug links
Police said Obasi initially engaged in a cloth export business to Nigeria and later ran a restaurant in Delhi named William African Restaurant. During his illegal stay, he allegedly associated with drug peddlers and was involved in drug trafficking and other unlawful activities, officials claimed.
Following his apprehension, H-NEW initiated deportation proceedings with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Hyderabad. An Emergency Travel Document was obtained from the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi, and an exit permit was secured from the FRRO, police said.
Escorted to airport
Obasi was escorted by an H-NEW team led by inspector G S Daniel and deported from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, to Lagos, Nigeria, in the early hours of January 13, 2026, police said.
In a public appeal, H-NEW said some foreign nationals continue to stay in India after the expiry of their visas and passports and indulge in illegal activities, including drug trafficking. The wing urged citizens to stay away from substance abuse and asked parents to monitor their children’s activities. Information related to drug abuse can be shared with H-NEW at 8712661601.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of deputy commissioner of police Vaibhav Gaikwad, IPS, Task Force/H-NEW, Hyderabad City.
