Eleven West African nationals, including Nigerians, who were deported from the United States to Ghana on September 6, 2025, have filed a lawsuit in Accra challenging their detention and seeking to prevent further deportation to their home countries.
The legal action, led by Ghanaian lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, claims the deportees face risks of torture, persecution, or inhumane treatment if returned, as U.S. immigration courts had previously granted them protections.
Reports indicate that the deportees were flown under harsh conditions, with some shackled and restrained in straitjackets for a 16-hour flight. Upon arrival, they were detained in a military facility near Accra, where they allege unsanitary conditions and lack of proper legal documentation.
While Ghana’s government agreed to temporarily host the deportees under humanitarian arrangements, concerns about their safety have intensified. As of Thursday, five deportees are reportedly held in a military facility, while six others are detained elsewhere.
This lawsuit follows criticism from U.S. federal Judge Tanya Chutkan, who condemned the Trump administration’s deportation practices for circumventing legal protections. She noted that despite court orders blocking their removal due to risks of persecution, the deportees were sent to Ghana. However, the judge stated she could not intervene as the deportees are now under Ghanaian custody.
The case has attracted international attention, highlighting concerns about the U.S. government’s use of third countries for deportations and the safety of individuals involved.