US Court Dismisses Ebenezer Akwanga’s Deportation Bid, Grants Waiver to Dr. Nicolas Nguh Santo

Dr Nicolas Nguh Santo (L) with his Attorney, Ryan Driscoll

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has concluded immigration proceedings involving Dr. Nicolas Nguh Santo, following a petition filed by Akwanga Ebenezer Derrick Mbongo Jr, an Ambazonian leader, before a US immigration court.

The case centered on allegations that Dr. Santo failed to disclose past affiliations with Cameroon’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and PRESBY between 1993 and 1996 during his immigration process into the United States. Akwanga argued that the two organizations constituted armed militias during that period and alleged that Dr. Santo acted as an agent of the Cameroonian government under President Paul Biya, participating in state-led repression against students and civilians.

Self styled Ambazonian leader,  Ebenezer AKwanga 

During the proceedings, the Department of Homeland Security supported the petition by presenting three state prosecutors to argue the case. The court also heard testimony from several witnesses.

Bar Nicoline Shuri, worked behind the scenes in Cameroon to prepare Affidavits 

Dr Natalie Letsa, Lecturer of Cameroon History at the University of South Carolina 

According to the ruling, the court determined that Dr. Santo’s omission of his CPDM and President Biya's Youths (PRESBY) memberships was deliberate and constituted an attempt to obstruct inquiry. However, the judge considered mitigating factors, including Dr. Santo’s academic background, professional contributions, and long-standing residence in the United States.

As a result, the court opted not to order deportation, instead granting Dr. Santo a waiver, allowing him to retain his permanent resident status and continue living in the United States.

Court documents indicate that the judge proposed an agreement under which Dr. Santo would acknowledge his past memberships in exchange for consideration of a waiver. The judge reportedly advised that pursuing a full trial carried a high risk of failure and would likely result in immediate deportation if unsuccessful. Following legal counsel, the waiver option was accepted.

Dr. Santo was represented by Attorney Ryan Driscoll, while his defense preparation also involved legal support from Barrister Nicoline Shuri in Douala, Cameroon, who worked with defense teams and witnesses ahead of the hearing.

Among the witnesses called were Dr. Natalie Letsa, a researcher on Cameroonian history at the University of South Carolina, as well as Festus Kembumbala and Madam Bessem Nwalipenja, both US citizens, who testified to Dr. Santo’s moral character and contributions to the community.

Following the ruling, parties involved described the outcome as a legal resolution that balanced procedural accountability with humanitarian and professional considerations.