A district court in Minnesota, United States, has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release Nigerian national Michael Opeoluwa Egbele from custody.
Egbele, who entered the United States in 2003 without legal documentation, was arrested in 2012 over a drug-related offense. Following his arrest, immigration authorities initiated deportation proceedings against him.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Senior U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard ordered ICE to free Egbele in line with the conditions outlined in his existing Order of Supervision. The court gave immigration authorities until February 20, 2026, to comply and submit a status report confirming his release.
“The government shall immediately release the petitioner from custody subject to and in accordance with the conditions in his preexisting Order of Supervision,” the judge ruled.
He further directed that, “No later than February 20, 2026, the government shall file a status report certifying compliance with this order.”
Egbele’s immigration troubles date back to 2012, when he was charged in court following his arrest. During the proceedings, he applied for asylum and sought to have his deportation withheld.
However, an immigration judge denied his asylum application and ordered his removal in July 2012. Despite the removal order, authorities did not carry out the deportation, and Egbele did not file an appeal against the decision.
