The Supreme Court issued notices to the Union of India and FRRO in a plea challenging the detention of Nigerian national Aluko Oluwa Tobi Jones. Despite being granted bail for fraud charges, Jones remains in a special detention camp due to an expired visa. The Court seeks clarification on his visa and citizenship status.

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Union of India and the Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO) in response to a special leave petition (SLP) filed on behalf of a Nigerian national, Aluko Oluwa Tobi Jones, who is currently detained in a special camp in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. The petition, filed by his Indian wife, challenges his detention after he was granted bail in a case involving allegations of fraud under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act.

Jones was arrested under Sections 420 and 406 of the IPC and Section 66E of the IT Act related to fraud and misuse of personal information. Though the Sessions Court granted him bail on April 17, 2024, a Government Order (G.O.) was issued by Tamil Nadu on April 26, 2024, confining him to a special detention camp before his release on bail could be secured. The order was upheld by the Madras High Court, noting public interest and the discovery of multiple passports in Jones' possession, alongside allegations of cheating victims out of Rs. 40 lakhs through a fraudulent website.

In the Supreme Court hearing, it was revealed that Jones’ visa had expired, and although he had applied for Indian citizenship, the status of his visa extension and citizenship application remains unclear. Justice J.B. Pardiwala, along with Justice Manoj Misra, directed that the Union of India and the FRRO be impleaded in the case to clarify the visa and citizenship status of Jones. The authorities are required to file a report on the current status before the next hearing, scheduled in three weeks.

Case Details: JYOTI TOBI JONES v. THE ADDITIONAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT AND ORS., SLP(Crl) No. 12912/2024