A viral WhatsApp message warning Nigerians about alleged mass visa cancellations by the U.S. Embassy in Lagos has been disowned by Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms.
The message, purportedly authored by Lagos lawyer Ope Banwo, claimed that the U.S. government had begun quietly revoking visas of Nigerians whose wives gave birth in the United States—even as far back as 15 years ago. It detailed three dramatic cases allegedly involving senior executives and a billionaire real estate developer. Their visas were cancelled despite having no immigration violations.
Law Firm Disowns the Advisory
In a statement published on 19 October 2025, Banwo & Ighodalo described the circulating advisory as “fabricated” and “a hoax.” The firm said its name had been used without authorisation and urged the public to disregard the message.
“We distance ourselves from this message and any similar posts. The said communication did not originate from our firm or any of our partners,” the statement read.
The firm also clarified that no lawyer under its employment was involved in issuing such a warning. They warned the public against misinformation being spread through social media.
Background: A Climate of Visa Anxiety
Though the viral message was false, it spread quickly because it resonated with the growing frustration. Nigerians have faced challenges obtaining or renewing U.S. visas since the Trump administration tightened immigration policies beginning in 2018.
The U.S. introduced stricter vetting for applicants, especially under the so-called “birth tourism” rule, which allowed consular officers to deny visas to pregnant women suspected of intending to give birth in America.
Nigerian visa approval rates fell sharply in 2020 and 2021, according to U.S. State Department data. Many applicants reported increased scrutiny, extended processing times, and unexplained denials.
Even after the Biden administration took office, some of the heightened scrutiny persisted. This was particularly for applicants with complex travel histories or large families with U.S.-born children.
Against this backdrop, the false WhatsApp message appeared credible to many Nigerians who have experienced delays, rejections, or “administrative reviews” at the U.S. consulate in Lagos or Abuja.
No Official Confirmation from the U.S. Embassy
As of press time, there has been no official confirmation or statement from neither the U.S. Embassy in Lagos nor the U.S. Department of State on any targeted policy to revoke visas of Nigerians with U.S.-born children.
The Embassy has repeatedly advised visa applicants to rely on official consular communications. They stress avoiding misinformation on social media, emphasizing that each visa case is evaluated individually.
Arbiterz Analysis
The episode highlights how long-standing frustrations with U.S. visa access and lingering distrust of opaque consular processes. This situation makes Nigerian professionals particularly vulnerable to misinformation.
It also underscores the importance of verifying claims through official channels before acting on social-media advisories that could damage personal or professional travel plans.