…Bishop Kenneth Obi calls on U.S. Ambassador as airline blocks return
Bishop Kenneth Obi, a U.S.-based cleric with the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), is stranded in Nigeria after misplacing his green card. Despite living in the U.S. for over 40 years and holding a valid green card until 2039, he remains unable to return home. Now, he is appealing to U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. for urgent intervention.
Airline Denies Boarding Despite Proof
Obi traveled to Nigeria on February 18 for COGIC’s 17th-anniversary celebration in Edo State. After completing his engagements, he planned to return to the U.S. on March 20. However, on March 12, he discovered his green card was missing.
“I had a copy of my green card on my phone, but I couldn’t find the physical one,” Obi explained. “I immediately reported it to the police in Imo State, obtained a court affidavit, and secured an official police extract.”
With these documents in hand, he proceeded to Lagos, hoping to board his Delta Airlines flight. But on March 19, his flight was canceled. When he returned the next day, airline officials refused to let him board, insisting he needed a travel document from the U.S. embassy.
Obi then visited the embassy, where security officers reviewed his digital green card and confirmed its validity. “They told me the airline should allow me to board,” he said. However, Delta Airlines remained firm, citing U.S. immigration rules and the risk of a $30,000 fine for transporting a passenger without a physical green card.
Stranded and Facing Financial Hardship
Frustrated, Obi returned to the embassy for further guidance. Officials informed him that if the airline refused to board him, he would have to apply for travel documents, a process that could take one to three months.
“This is devastating,” he said. “I have a family in the U.S. that depends on me. I have no business in Nigeria, yet I am stuck here without any timeline for my return.”
To make matters worse, Obi is facing financial hardship. Stranded in a hotel near Lagos’ airport, he fears his family may lose their home if he cannot return soon to settle bills.
“I’ve been a green card holder for 38 years. This situation is unfair,” he said. “I hope someone in authority can intervene immediately.”
Obi has contacted Atlanta’s airport, where he last saw his green card before boarding his flight to Nigeria. Airport officials informed him that any recovered lost items take at least two weeks to process.
Meanwhile, Delta Airlines maintains its stance, prioritizing compliance with U.S. immigration policies. Obi, however, remains hopeful that U.S. officials will step in and expedite his return.
