Illegal tourist turns Mumbai police station into hotel

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

MUMBAI, India – For the past 10 months, the Malwani police station has become ‘home’ to a Nigerian tourist who overstayed his visit, and whose government has not responded to innumerable requests from

MUMBAI, India – For the past 10 months, the Malwani police station has become ‘home’ to a Nigerian tourist who overstayed his visit, and whose government has not responded to innumerable requests from the police to take him back.

During the day, Kolatinav Idris Ohomatoda, alias Odio, can be seen moving around the police station premises. At times, he steps out with friends, but returns at night to sleep in the detection room.

He has all his meals in the station’s restaurant (bills paid by the cops), works out in the station’s gym, and even invites visitors to the police station.

Odio had come to Mumbai as a tourist, but did not go back. Subsequently, his visa expired and so did his passport, making his stay illegal. He was picked up during a combing operation in Malwani where he lived, and sentenced to seven months imprisonment and deportation. After serving his sentence, Odio has put up in the Malwani police, station since February, awaiting deportation.

“For several months he has been staying here. We don’t understand what he says, nor does he understand our language. He does mumble a few words of Hindi, but we don’t interact with him much,” said a Malwani police officer who requested anonymity.

“We have no option but to keep him here as his government has not responded to our requests to send him back,” the officer added. “It’s known that the Nigerian government does not accept people who have been involved in crime, until they are given a clean chit for the same.”

In the past few months, however, Odio’s presence has grown into a nuisance. He has begun to go out frequently, and returns drunk to the police station late at night.

The cops, however, fear that if he is allowed to stay at some other place he may get involved in drugs or other illegal activities, which will only lead to a jail term and an extended stay.

“The Malwani police had initiated the procedure for his deportation, but it could not be completed as there was no response from the Nigerian authorities. Moreover, Odio’s visa had expired, so that delayed the entire process too. We are still trying to get in touch with officials in his country, and will send him back as soon as possible,” said ACP Ramesh Lokhare.

According to a survey conducted by the Mumbai police, only 88 Nigerian nationals legally live in Mumbai at present.

As per police records, 33 Nigerians were deported from Mumbai this year for various reasons, including involvement in the drug trade.

About the author

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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