Twelve out of the irregular migrants arraigned before a Federal High Court in Katsina have been convicted by the court.

Justice Hadiza Shagari while ruling on the matter sentenced all the accused persons to three months imprisonment each with an option of N50, 000 fine each.

The national public relations officer of NIS Sunday James, a Deputy Comptroller, made the disclosure in a release made available to journalists.

He said the suspects were among the 42 Nigerians arrested for illegal entry into Niger Republic enroute Europe.

James stated that the Nigeria Immigration Service Katsina State Command received the repatriation of 42 Nigerians for illegal entry into Niger Republic and subsequently repatriated to Nigeria through Kongolam Control post.

According to him, the accused persons, who are within the age range of 18 and 35 years, evaded Immigration clearance and crossed the border to enter Niger Republic.
He hinted that the remaining 30 offenders will soon be arraigned in court upon completion of charges against them.

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammad Babandede in a reaction to the development, directed that all the remaining 30 persons be tried without further delay.

He advised travellers to always present themselves to Immigration officials for examination whenever they are traveling out or returning back to the country in line with Section 15 subsection (1)a and b of the Immigration Act 2015.