A Nigerian businesswoman has broken down in tears on social media after being unexpectedly deported from the United States, despite having secured a valid visa and putting in months of thorough preparation to attend a highly anticipated trade fair in New York City.
In a deeply emotional and heartfelt statement, the entrepreneur explained how she and her dedicated team worked tirelessly, often sacrificing sleep, to ensure that everything was perfectly in place for the major exhibition that was set to boost her brand’s global recognition.
According to her narration, she was granted a B1/B2 visa, typically used for business and tourism purposes. However, upon her arrival in the U.S., immigration officers detained her for 24 hours, interrogated her extensively, and then ultimately denied her entry into the country, forcing her to return to Nigeria in disappointment.
She disclosed that the decision to deport her was based on the contents of her social media account. The officials reportedly scrutinized her posts, which included promotional content related to her business, and used this as grounds to question the true nature of her visit.
“I was granted a visa to the U.S., only to be detained for 24 hours and denied entry into America just because they checked my social media handle and saw what I posted there,” she emotionally recounted.
Expressing her devastation, she explained that she had invested enormous effort and resources into preparing for the fair. She had looked forward to meeting loyal customers in person, showcasing her products, and sharing her entrepreneurial journey directly with her growing community.
“It hurts me to tell you guys that I wouldn’t be there because currently I’m on my way back to Nigeria,” she wrote in deep pain. “This one hurt so bad.”
She revealed that she usually keeps her struggles private and avoids sharing difficult moments online, but the severity of this incident broke her spirit, especially because of the significant emotional and financial investment involved.
Despite the massive loss, she made it clear that her primary concern was not the money but the missed opportunity to make meaningful connections and represent her brand on an international stage.
“I really wanted you guys to see the person behind this brand,” she added, highlighting her passion and authenticity. “Not just the products.”
Taking accountability for what happened, she admitted that she could have handled the situation better by providing more transparency during her immigration screening.
“I’ve come to the fact that me also, I messed up,” she admitted. “I mean, this is the USA. I could have just told them the truth.”
She concluded her emotional message by encouraging her followers to keep supporting her business and her journey. She emphasized that although this was a huge setback, she remains strong in her faith and is confident that God will continue to guide her path.
“I know this is one of the ways the devil will try to make me doubt a lot of things, but I know that God is aware. I will be fine.”
Her story has triggered an outpouring of support and sympathy across social media, with many people sharing their encouragement and acknowledging the tough realities Nigerian entrepreneurs often face when trying to expand globally.
See some reactions below:
nwunye__bigman1: “I’m sorry about your experience but didn’t you guys make inquiries to know visa that’s applicable for doing exhibition in the USA. Lawlessness has eaten so deep into our system and it irritates me so much. American government has been heavy on SM dat…”
CLEAN FOOD STUFF IN LAGOS: “I had this same experience in the UK. They gave me 15 minutes to voluntarily exit or I get deported after 20 hours detention. The experience was bad. Till date, I still have phobia for UK…”
Bloomphyna: “I’m so sorry stranger, this too shall pass. Sorry for the emotional/physical distress you’re going through right now, you’ll recover everything you’ve lost in 100 folds in Jesus name amen 🙏 be strong.”
Sonia Kats: “Lord You waste nothing… hold your child and elevate her only the way You can… You will bring back 7 fold what she has trusted You with for her business.”
WATCH VIDEO:
@onyxhair_by_nellyThis has to be one of the hardest posts I have made. But I told myself I was always going to tell my story no matter how bad or ugly it is. I know social media life doesn’t really show the messy side but here is one of mine. I really don’t even know how I feel at the moment. I have dealt with different emotions anger, anxiety, rejection, regret you name it. I wish there was a way I can clear the image of how I was handled like a criminal literally, detained for more than 26 hours, my phones and passport taken from me and escorted back to the plane like a fugitive off my head or all the funds in thousands of dollars that went down the drain but this won’t break me. Please if you are in Houston and will be attending the fair please look for my stand and check out the products that I’m exhibiting I promise you won’t regret it. Cause the products speaks for itself. I have made a lot of arrangements to see that the fair continues for @onyxhair_bynellyng and @onngirlrhextsions because they deserve all the attention and also because the show must always go on no matter what. @naijabrandchick thank you for creating such a beautiful platform that even helped me to dare dream and for all your help to see that I still get to exhibit even without my presence. God bless you. Ps: this won’t stop me so no pity messages. seeing all the messages from my customers who are already waiting for me and asking where I am just woke up the fire inside of me. My businesses will go global. This is just the beginning!
♬ original sound – Chinelo Ejianwu