HOW I WAS NEARLY ‘INCARCERATED’ IN THE US

I am currently facing a fraud allegation and other cases with a state government in the US.

I had promised not to speak about it because the case is still with the US authorities.

But a comment by Jaypee on one of my recent posts is prompting me to say a bit of it.

“Do you know who I am? Do you know where I came from?”

(For their mind—just to command respect.)

“I am the CEO of XYZ.; I am the first Nigerian to... ; I have dined with Dangote; I have won several awards.; I have gotten grants of XYZ millions; I have done projects with the World Bank...” Blah blah blah.

These are the usual lines many use to introduce themselves—which is fine.

But me, I chose not to attach any of those titles to my name.

I always appear simple and local—just the mgbeke that I am.

I presented a low profile of myself as someone who came from the village to the US to hustle, that I don’t know anyone in the US and I’m struggling on my own.

Because of that, I was seen as vulnerable—someone they could mess up and nothing would happen.

I was intimidated, emotionally attacked, and kicked out into the streets with false allegations and threats of deportation.

I became destabilized, traumatized, confused.

I incurred financial losses.

I became homeless and ended up in a shelter.

I was shaken by the psychological and emotional trauma.

Image: In front of the shelter home

Please, check out my FB reflective posts from April and early May 2025 and the miracle experience I encountered on Easter Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HkXQmyG39/

I was going through a lot during that time.

Every day I had nightmares, soaked my bed linens with tears.

I developed anxiety, battled uncontrollable thoughts, depression, and feelings of hopelessness though with strong hope on God's intervention

Most friends in the US couldn’t come to my aid except Okwudili

I was denied or given very limited access to my devices—my phone, laptop, tablet.

I was battling in silence.

Until Pastor Peter Oyediran 🙏 and members of the Redeemed Church of God, Jesus House, Huntsville, Alabama 'forced" me share my tale and they supported my healing process.

I remain forever indebted to them.

The person(s) who caused me all this didn’t know I was connected to the US Embassy and corporate bodies in the US.

That I am a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Vital Voices Fellow and more.

I am innocent.

I have a clean record in the US.

I notified a unit within the US

I notified a unit within the US Embassy and received directives on what to do.

I won't share more till the case is over.

But I’m sharing this now to say:

Sometimes, it is good to disguise yourself—to truly see the actions of people about you.

I have a priest friend who usually disguises himself to know how his staffs treat people—not just how they “worship” him because he is a priest.

By doing so, he gets a glimpse into how they attend to clients—and trains them better for excellent service delivery.

Me, I give equal respect to every human life—not because of your title or your outward appearance.

I cherish what is within, not what is outside.

I may be wrong—but that is how I am wired.

Despite the psychological torture, I have no regrets the way I presented myself.

It is a learnt experience which I will use to teach the world a lesson and prevent other victims.

Nkechi Udegboka (Ada Africa)