A Nigerian man who says he converted from Islam to Christianity and was hunted by Boko Haram has lost his last-minute legal fight to remain in Canada, clearing the way for his deportation with his wife and two sons this week.
In a ruling issued Friday, Federal Court Justice Roger Lafrenière dismissed the motion of Adeniyi Muftau Gbadamosi, his wife Olabisi Sherifat, and their sons Olamilekan Malik and Olamiposi Shuaib. The family had sought a stay of removal until their application for judicial review of a rejected Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) could be heard.
The Gbadamosis fled Nigeria in 2018 after Mr. Gbadamosi claimed Boko Haram threatened him for converting to Christianity and speaking out against the extremist group. In sworn statements, he alleged militants attacked his home in southern Nigeria, killed the family’s cat, and later attempted to kidnap his son. He said police failed to intervene.
The family initially applied for asylum in the United States in December 2018 but failed to appear for interviews. In July 2019, they crossed into Canada and sought refugee protection, but officials found them ineligible since they had already filed a U.S. asylum claim.
They later submitted a PRRA with new evidence of threats. After a March 2025 hearing, the application was refused, with Canadian authorities concluding the family could safely relocate to Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria, where Boko Haram has little to no influence.
Justice Lafrenière upheld that finding, stating there was no “serious issue” with the PRRA officer’s conclusion. He noted that Boko Haram’s ability to track individuals is largely limited to northern Nigeria.
The family also argued Olabisi suffers from major depressive disorder with psychotic features and that deportation would worsen her condition. However, the judge ruled that psychological distress tied to removal did not meet the legal standard for irreparable harm, adding that the doctor’s note submitted was inadequate and undated.
The court further rejected their plea to delay deportation due to a pending humanitarian and compassionate application, noting such cases can proceed after removal.
Having failed to prove serious issue, irreparable harm, and balance of convenience, the family’s motion was dismissed.
Unless another court intervenes, the Gbadamosis are set to be deported to Nigeria on August 19, 2025, at 5:10 p.m. and advised to establish themselves in Port Harcourt rather than attempt to remain in Canada in fear of Boko Haram.
