Court Says Credibility Crumbled
Although an immigration judge initially found some of Ani’s testimony “believable and forthright,” the judge rejected his denial of marriage fraud and dismissed claims that he was coerced by immigration officials into signing the fraud affidavit.
Ani appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals, which ordered a rehearing, but the immigration judge again found no credible evidence of a future threat in Nigeria. The board later upheld the denial.
Judge Bress said the record contained “substantial evidence” supporting the judge’s finding. “Ani made the conscious choice to pursue a fraudulent path to remain in the United States rather than seeking asylum earlier,” the opinion said, adding that his deception justified disbelief of his persecution narrative.
Case Closed on Credibility
The court concluded that Ani’s conduct “raised legitimate concerns about his honesty,” finding no evidence compelling a different outcome.
Ani was represented by Emmanuel E. Enyinwa of the Law Office of Emmanuel Enyinwa, while the government was represented by Aaron Henricks, Sarah A. Byrd, and Jennifer Levings of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division.
Judges Milan D. Smith Jr. and Brian M. Morris joined Judge Bress on the panel.
