Investigative journalist David Hundeyin has debunked the viral report that Nigerian YouTuber Emdee Tiamiyu, based in the United Kingdom, was deported back to Nigeria for allegedly defrauding the UK government of £160k.

Reports circulating on social media indicated that Tiamiyu, who had a controversial interview with the BBC months ago, was arrested and deported on Tuesday, May 21. Innonaija, a content creator, referenced this news in an Instagram post.

In response, Hundeyin wrote: "Why do people keep spreading this false story? Which UK government gives anybody £160k for resettlement? The same one that is giving people £3k and a one-way ticket to Rwanda? Please stop this nonsense."

Tiamiyu made headlines a few months ago after stating in an interview that Nigerians seeking better opportunities in the UK often apply for student visas as an easy way to enter the country.

Months after the interview, he was reportedly arrested over a financial dispute involving the UK government. According to the Leadership, Tiamiyu is accused of defrauding the UK government of £160,000. Reports suggest that the funds meant for resettlement were instead used by Tiamiyu to build a house in his native Ogun State, Nigeria.

The reports indicate that the UK government allocated the resettlement funds to help Tiamiyu integrate and achieve financial stability in the country, especially after his asylum claim following the interview.

While the story continues to trend on social media, the UK government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the specifics of the fraud allegations. The situation is evolving and could have implications for bilateral relations and the international student community in the UK.

It is widely reported that the interview influenced the UK government's decision to impose restrictions on Nigerian students, specifically preventing them from bringing family members to the UK unless they are enrolled in PhD programs.

Why do people keep spreading this false story? Which UK government gives anybody £160k for which resettlement? The same one that is giving people £3k and a 1-way ticket to Rwanda?

You people should stop this nonsense abeg. https://t.co/1iMRekT2f0

— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) May 21, 2024