Stranded US-based cleric laments as airline rejects travel documents
A United States-based cleric, Bishop Kenneth Obi, has been left stranded in Nigeria while lamenting the refusal of an American airline, Delta Airlines, to allow him to board his flight back to the US.
Obi, who arrived in Nigeria on February 18 for a church anniversary, attended a programme in Edo State from February 19 to 21 before travelling to Imo State for another event from March 5 to 9.
However, on March 12, while preparing to leave Imo State, the cleric said he discovered that his green card was missing.
Obi who spoke to PUNCH Metro on Saturday however said the e-copy of the green card and other travel documents he presented on getting to the airport were rejected.
He said, “I came to Nigeria from the US where I have been living for over 40 years and I arrived on February 18 for our church anniversary. The first programme was held in Edo from February 19 – 21. And I thereafter proceeded to Imo State for the second anniversary from March 5–9. When I finished the programme, I prepared to leave because I had a return ticket, my flight left Atlanta on February 17 and went back on March 19.
“On March 12, while preparing to leave Imo State, I discovered that I could not find my green card. So, I made a police report, got an affidavit and having got the police to extract a copy of the e-copy of my green card attached, I came to Lagos to board my flight but unfortunately, my flight was cancelled on March 19. So, I met with one of the managers of the airline and I explained my situation and they sent me to the embassy.”
According to him, the embassy officials confirmed the validity of his documents and stated that the airline should allow him to board.
He, however, said the airline representatives refused, insisting that he needed official travel documents from the embassy before he could travel.
“So, I went back to the embassy where they told me that if the airline could not board me, then I needed to begin the process of getting travel documents but they did not specify how long it would take,” he added.
Obi, frustrated by the delay, said his prolonged stay in Nigeria was causing him financial and emotional distress.
He also called on the appropriate authorities to intervene in his plight.
“I have been living in the United States for over 40 years and I have been a green card holder for more than 38 years. I am just confused right now and I hope the appropriate authorities will do something about this as soon as possible.
“I have all the documentation, but it is just that I don’t have the physical green card. This is so frustrating because my continual stay here will bring untold hardship to myself and to my family who are in the US,” he added.
Reacting, Delta Airlines in a statement signed by its management and seen by our correspondent on Sunday said photocopies of original travel documents were not considered valid for international travel.
The statement added that the passenger was advised to visit the U.S. Embassy to obtain the necessary travel documentation according to standard procedure.
“Delta would like to clarify the circumstances regarding a recent passenger inquiry. The individual in question presented a photocopy of a U.S. Green Card at our check-in counter, stating that the original was lost in Nigeria. As per international travel regulations, airlines are only permitted to accept original travel documents, such as passports and Residence Permits. Photocopies are not considered valid for international travel.
“By standard procedures, the passenger was advised to visit the U.S. Embassy to obtain the necessary travel documentation. Upon returning, the passenger informed us that the embassy required additional time to process his request. He then requested that the airline send the photocopy of his document to the U.S. authorities for approval.
“Our team reiterated that the only viable options were for him to await the embassy’s response or to return to the embassy and emphasize the urgency of his travel situation. As the issuing authority, only the embassy can provide the necessary transportation letter or replacement document.”
The airline however assured the passenger that his ticket would remain open until he obtained the appropriate travel documents.
“As per global airline policies, international carriers cannot accept photocopies of travel documents or passports for boarding. Delta remains committed to upholding international travel regulations while ensuring the best possible support for our passengers. We encourage all travellers to verify their documentation requirements before arriving at the airport to avoid any inconvenience,” the statement added.
