Former Nigerian Ambassador Seeks Asylum In United States Over Corruption Allegation By Online News Platform

A former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, Lilian Onoh, is reportedly seeking asylum from the United States due to a publication from an online news platform.

Omoh told the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas that she is seeking permanent residence (Green Card) in Texas, US because of a SaharaReporters’ report accusing her of corruption.

According to Sahara Reporters, the former Minister claimed that she is seeking an asylum in the US for diplomats in danger so as to remain in the country “permanently.”

Onoh disclosed this in a 102-page affidavit submitted to the court on November 1, 2024, adding that the report titled “Nigerian Civil Service Commission Sacks Former High Commissioner to Namibia, Lilian Onoh, Over ₦50 million Misappropriation, Recommends Trial by ICPC,” has prevented her from joining her church’s choir.

The civil action with no. 3:23-cv-02838-B was filed against Sahara Reporters Media Group, Inc., Sahara Reporters, Inc., and Omoyele Sowore, who are the defendants.

The affidavit was filed as the plaintiff’s (Onoh) response to the defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s first amended complaint and supporting brief.

It reads, “Onoh is currently seeking Permanent Legal Resident status in the United States. Plaintiff Lilian Onoh brought this lawsuit on December 22, 2023 seeking damages from Defendants, Sahara Reporters Media Group, Inc., Sahara Reporters, Inc., and Omoyele Sowore, for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress arising from the publication of an article on a news website that the Defendants own and operate.

“Defendants originally published this article on April 21, 2023. On or about April 21, 2023, Sahara Reporters published a story on its website about Onoh (“Article”). The title of the Article was “Nigerian Civil Service Commission Sacks Former High Commissioner to Namibia, Lilian Onoh, Over N50million Misappropriation, Recommends Trial by ICPC”.

“While Onoh originally intended to retire in Nigeria, she has revised her plan due to the Article and the danger that it will cause her should she return. For that reason, Onoh now intends to remain permanently in Texas.

“Since the publication of the Article, Onoh has filed the necessary paperwork with the United States government to seek asylum for diplomats in danger and remain in the United States permanently.

“Onoh’s application for adjustment of status was accepted and she was issued an Employment Authorization document which will allow her to remain in the United States until 2028.”

“Onoh has recently completed the final stage of submitting medical records to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and is awaiting the issuance of her Green Card.”