Nigerian dealer refuse to be deported because he paid 'protection' fee to Zanu-PF

A Nigerian dealer has sensationally claimed that he cannot be deported because he has over the years assisted police, prison services and Zanu PF with "donations" in cash and kind, according to court papers produced in the High Court.

Police, prisons and Zanu PF officials have solicited for cash and various items including tissue rolls, computers, printers, hair salon equipment, stationery and cash for Christmas parties.

The Nigerian, who is chairman of the Nigerians in Zimbabwe Association claims that Nigerian dealers, most of whom run shops in Harare, regularly give donations to the organisations, effectively arguing that these were "protection fees" to avoid deportation.

The court case effectively exposes the organisations of their links with some unscrupulous Nigerian dealers masquerading as businessman who reportedly do not have adequate documentation to work in Zimbabwe.

The controversial dealings between the police and the Nigerians, Zanu PF and Zimbabwe Prison Services (ZPS) when NIZ chairman Felix Emeka Emewusim placed before the High Court, letters from the police, prisons and Zanu PF asking for donations as an attempt to block his deportation.

Emeka, who founded the NIZ to safeguard the interest of Nigerians in the country, faces deportation after his wife, a Zimbabwean, exposed him as a fugitive wanted in his native Nigeria and living in Zimbabwe illegally.