Authorities in India have arrested a 41-year-old Nigerian national, Francis Odoko, for allegedly trying to cross into Bangladesh unlawfully from the Indian border town of Belonia in Tripura State.
The arrest was made by personnel from the 43rd Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) near Belonia railway station at around 8:30 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Speaking to reporters, Mrinal Kanti Bhowmik, Officer-in-Charge of the Government Railway Police (GRP) station, confirmed that Odoko had traveled to Belonia with the intention of entering Bangladesh without proper documentation.
Four mobile phones—three smartphones and one basic handset—were recovered from him during the arrest, raising suspicions about his activities and potential motives.
Following his detention, the BSF conducted a preliminary interrogation at their local camp before transferring Odoko to the Belonia Police Station.
Considering jurisdiction, the local police advised that he be handed over to the GRP, which formally took custody of the suspect on Saturday, April 12.
Legal proceedings were initiated, and he was presented in court the same day, facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Passport Act.
Additional background shared by law enforcement revealed that Odoko entered India in 2019 and was arrested in 2021 by Chandigarh Police in connection with cybercrime.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and was released in November 2024. Since his release, he had reportedly been living in multiple Indian cities, including Delhi.
Sources familiar with the case said Odoko had recently traveled from Delhi to Agartala by train, eventually arriving in Belonia, where he allegedly planned to cross into Bangladesh in a bid to find a route back to Nigeria.
He is said to have a wife and children in Nigeria.
The arrest has raised concerns among local authorities, especially given his previous criminal record. Officials are investigating whether Odoko resumed cybercriminal activities following his release and if he had local support in planning the border crossing.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, described the incident as troubling, particularly because it occurred in a sensitive border zone. The matter is now under judicial review, with further investigations ongoing.
