Nigerian facing deportation commits suicide in U.S. as Buhari expresses concerns to Ambassador

A 56-year-old Nigerian identified as Anthony Akinyemi has died in the custody of the United States (U.S.) Immigration and Enforcement (ICE).
ICE said in a statement on its website on Tuesday that the incident occurred at the Worcester County Jail in Snow Hill, Maryland, on Saturday.
It said the preliminary cause of death “appears to be self-inflicted strangulation”, a euphemism for suicide, adding that the case is under investigation.
At the time of his death, Akinyemi was facing deportation to Nigeria for sexual abuse of a minor, according to the agency.
Akinyemi was pronounced dead at 5:23 a.m. local time on December 21, 2019, after he was found unresponsive in his cell.
Efforts by facility staff and emergency personnel to revive him were unsuccessful.
Akinyemi had been in ICE custody less than 24 hours.
He entered ICE custody December 20, one day after he was convicted in Baltimore City Circuit Court for a sex offence and assault.
ICE had previously lodged an immigration detainer against Akinyemi on July 23, 2019, pursuant to his arrest for sexual abuse of a minor.
Akinyemi entered the U.S. lawfully on a non-immigrant visa in December 2017, but he failed to comply with the terms of his admission.
“At the time of his death, Akinyemi was in removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts,” ICE said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the United States to ensure that its sources of information on Nigeria cut across all sectors.
The President stated this when he received Letters of Credence of the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Mary Beth Leonard, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Buhari further alerted that some people might provide misleading and manipulative narratives for self-serving purposes, ignoring the larger picture of a united country.
He said the recent listing of Nigeria for human rights concerns created an impression that some people were being unfairly treated or marginalised in the country.
“I know that those with access have created an impression of being marginalised.
“I sit here with a clear conscience. I took an oath and I am honouring the office,’’ he said.
Buhari said he took some time to explain the situation in the country when he met with President Donald Trump in Washington DC as the American President expressed concern with reports of attacks on segments of the society.
“It is not an easy task to work for the unity of the country, and I am doing my best. During your stay in the country, I am asking you to ensure that your sources of strategic information cut across,’’ he added.
The president also urged the envoy to use the opportunity of her posting to Nigeria, with her experience, knowledge and energy to get the facts on the country.
In her remarks, the Ambassador said Nigeria was listed on a watch list to deepen conversation on the humanitarian situation in the country, accepting that some people could “flare the flames and crystalise issues’’ that could affect peaceful coexistence.
“There are people who make things less attractive than they seem,’’ she said.
She noted that the report would deepen conversation of the situation in the country, especially with religious leaders and mediators.
“I want to assure that the United States recognises and celebrates the integration in Nigeria,’’ Leonard said.
She added that the United States would always side with transparent processes.
The ambassador said Nigeria and America have a lot in common in terms of “being big among neighbours, enthusiastic and  entrepreneurial”.
Leonard also assured Buhari of support from the U.S., especially on the humanitarian challenges, while appreciating the willingness to always share useful information and intelligence with her country.
“I feel it’s a privilege and great honour to be here; coming to see the giant of Africa. I have worked for 30 decades before coming to Nigeria.
“We will do a lot together for peace, security and delivering humanitarian assistance,’’ she added.
Buhari also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Nigeria, Ahamed Lebbe Sabarullah Khan.
The president appreciated the country for supporting Nigeria to provide the President of the United Nations General Assembly.
In his remarks, the High Commissioner said both Nigeria and Sri Lanka face similar challenges and will support each other.
Khan added that Sri Lanka would also strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria on trade and investments.