A Nigerian in the diaspora, Yusuf Babatunde Yusuf, has narrated the death of a 28-year-old compatriot who reportedly returned to Nigeria after a failed asylum process in Canada.
Babatunde warned about the growing emotional and psychological toll on migrants facing immigration challenges abroad.
Yusuf, who shared the account on his Facebook page, said the young man had initially travelled to Canada on a visitor’s visa before seeking asylum in an attempt to regularise his stay.
According to him, the application was unsuccessful at both the hearing and appeal stages, after which the Nigerian immigration authorities reportedly directed him to leave the country or face deportation.
He said the man eventually returned to Nigeria in May, and his vehicle, a 2021 Honda Civic, was shipped alongside other consignments he was handling for clients.
“The Canadian Dream When it Becomes a Nightmare. This post is meant to raise awareness about a growing reality many people are facing as a result of recent immigration developments in Canada,” Yusuf wrote.
Yusuf explained that weeks after the shipment arrangement, efforts to reach the deceased to settle outstanding shipping and clearing charges proved unsuccessful, prompting concern among associates.
“I tried reaching him as we normally do with customers to notify him about the arrival of his vehicle and the outstanding shipping and customs clearing charges, but all attempts were unsuccessful,” he stated.
He further disclosed that through mutual contacts, he later received news that the young man had died in his sleep in Ogun State over the weekend, describing the development as deeply painful and unexpected.
“After several unsuccessful attempts to contact him, I called the friend who introduced him to me. Through mutual contacts, we got heartbreaking news that he passed away in his sleep last weekend in Ogun State,” he added.
Yusuf said although the exact cause of death could not be immediately confirmed, the emotional strain linked to the migration experience might have contributed to the tragedy, while noting that the family of the deceased had appealed for assistance regarding the stranded vehicle.
He added that arrangements were being made in consultation with the family to possibly sell the car and channel whatever proceeds remain to support the bereaved relatives, describing the deceased as a young man from a poor background who was the breadwinner of his family.
Yusuf also expressed concern about what he described as a pattern of hardship among some Nigerians abroad, claiming he had heard of other similar tragic cases involving asylum seekers in Canada in recent months.
He, however, cautioned against irregular migration and the use of false narratives in asylum applications, stressing that immigration systems had become stricter and less forgiving than in previous years.
“I have never encouraged illegal immigration on this page, and I never will. Coming to Canada or any country with fabricated stories to obtain asylum is a very risky and tricky path,” he warned.
Yusuf also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to be supported emotionally rather than being placed under financial pressure, calling on families and friends back home to show more understanding.
“If you know someone who migrated recently, please be kind to them. Stop putting them under pressure. Check on them, encourage them, and show them love. Many are carrying burdens they cannot even talk about,” he said.
He further advised prospective migrants to conduct proper research before embarking on relocation journeys, insisting that life abroad is often more challenging than many are led to believe.
