Bishop Kenneth Obi, a U.S.-based Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Prelate, has issued an urgent Save Our Souls (SOS) plea to Richard M. Mills Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, after being stranded in Nigeria due to a misplaced green card.
The bishop, who has lived in the United States for over 40 years, arrived in Nigeria on February 18 to attend the 17th anniversary of the Edo COGIC. However, despite having a valid green card copy, he has been unable to return to his family in Atlanta since March 20.
How It All Started
Bishop Obi recounted that after attending church anniversary celebrations in Edo and Imo States, he prepared to return to the U.S. on March 19. However, on March 12, he discovered that he could not find his physical green card, though he had an electronic copy valid until 2039.
Following official procedures, he: Reported the loss to the police in Imo State, obtained a court affidavit on March 12, secured a police extract, which, along with his green card copy, was meant to serve as proof of his residency.
Despite completing these steps, he faced difficulties at the airport in Lagos when attempting to board his Delta Airlines flight on March 19.
Denied Boarding Despite Valid Green Card Copy
After the March 19 flight was canceled, Obi met with Delta Airlines manager, Mr. Abdul, who advised him to visit the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
At the embassy, security officials confirmed his green card was valid and stated that the airline should allow him to board. However, when he returned to Delta Airlines, officials refused to let him fly, insisting he must obtain travel documents from the embassy.
When he returned to the embassy, officials informed him that if Delta Airlines refused to board him, he would have to apply for travel documents, a process that could take one to three months.
Bishop Obi expressed deep frustration, saying the long delay would cause severe hardship for both him and his family.
“I’ve lived in the U.S. for over 40 years and held a green card for 38 years. I have my electronic green card, police report, and affidavit—yet I’m stranded,” he lamented.
He emphasized that his continued stay in Nigeria, where he has no business or source of income, would disrupt his family’s livelihood.
“This is un-American. My family is waiting for me, and they may be thrown out of our home if I don’t return to settle bills. I need help immediately.”
Airline Cites Heavy Fine for Refusal
When The Guardian reached out to Delta Airlines officials, they explained that boarding a passenger without a physical green card could result in a $30,000 fine and put their jobs at risk.
Meanwhile, Obi has contacted the Atlanta airport lost and found department to check if his green card was found. However, he was informed that any found items would only be transferred after two weeks.
Currently stranded at a hotel along Airport Road in Ikeja, Obi has urged the U.S. authorities to intervene immediately, allowing him to return home to his family in Atlanta.
