Failed asylum seeker tells GB News real reason he was banned from 'self-deporting' for a SECOND time

WATCH: Asylum seeker Olabode Shoniregun tells GB News reason he could not self-deport

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GB NEWS

Peter Stevens

By Peter Stevens


Published: 22/05/2026

- 01:36

Olabode Shoniregun had sought asylum in Britain as a black Jewish Mormon - but was stopped at the airport when he wanted to go home

A failed asylum seeker has told GB News exactly why he was banned from "self-deporting" for a second time.

Olabode Shoniregun, 28, was prevented from boarding a plane back home to Las Vegas from Heathrow airport on May 7.


He previously attempted to fly home in December, but had been told by Home Office officials he was "unfit to fly".

Mr Shoniregun, from Las Vegas, Nevada, told GB News he was evaluated to have schizoaffective disorder - a combination of schizophrenic symptoms and a mood disorder - and paranoia.

"But I'm not too much in agreement with what the doctors and hospital are saying," he added.

Mr Shoniregun told The People's Channel he initially sought asylum in Britain in October 2024 after claiming "persecution as being a black Jewish person who was a member of the Mormon church".

He said: "I still believe that there is discrimination and social hostility that exists within many societies, including the United States. And I guess the UK authorities determined that my circumstances did not qualify under asylum law."

The failed asylum seeker also gave his reasons for identifying as a black Jewish Mormon.

Olabode Shoniregun

Olabode Shoniregun was told he has schizoaffective disorder by UK authorities

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GB NEWS

He said: "I would consider myself being Jewish because I'm still waiting for like the coming of the Messiah or whatever.

"And there is no, in my opinion, formal, organised ecclesiastic community that I can block to other than the closely related Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints."

The university graduate had previously said he was claiming asylum to escape "humanitarian protection from violent homosexuality".

He alleged a number of police forces in the US had prevented from him getting a job, and that he had been sexually assaulted by several police officials.

Olabode Shoniregun

Olabode Shoniregun stayed at a Holiday Inn near Heathrow, receiving three meals a day

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INSTAGRAM/OLABODE SHONIREGUN

While awaiting his deportation, he lived in a Holiday Inn near London Heathrow, receiving three meals a day and access to an on-site GP in the hotel, he told GB News.

Mr Shoniregun's mother is understood to live in a $500,000 (£430,000) property in a gated community.

In its 22-page letter rejecting his asylum claim, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) pointed out his religious freedom was "protected under the First Amendment", and was protected by the Civil Right Act of 1964.

UKVI also said he had no mental nor physical health conditions, and if he could, he have been treated in the US.

Olabode Shoniregun

Olabode Shoniregun said he identified as Jewish as he was 'still waiting for like the coming of the Messiah or whatever'

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GETTY

He had previously documented his activity in London on social media, posting videos of himself dining at McDonald's, and using computers at an Islington library.

Filming himself as walked towards his departure gate, he said: "I'm heading back to Las Vegas. I've had a good time here in London and I’m ready to go back home."

A Home Office spokesman said: "While we do not routinely comment on individual cases, airlines will often require confirmation an individual is fit to fly before a removal can take place.

"We have removed or deported almost 60,000 people who were here illegally, and are removing the incentives that draw illegal migrants to this country."