A Nigerian entrepreneur has gone viral after sharing a video in which she tearfully recounted her traumatic experience of being denied entry into the United States despite possessing a valid visa.
The woman, identified on Instagram as @onyxhair_bynellyng, said she travelled to Texas on a B1/B2 visa—commonly issued for tourism and business purposes—with plans to attend a trade exhibition.
However, upon arrival in the U.S., she was detained by immigration officials for 24 hours and later put on a return flight to Nigeria.
“I was denied entrance into the U.S. and that is because my visa is a B1/B2 visa, which is meant for tourism or business meetings,” she said in the emotional video, filmed mid-flight on her way back to Nigeria. “I told them I was going to exhibit [my products] but I did not know any better.”
She explained that during her interrogation, U.S. immigration officials thoroughly scrutinized her Instagram account and private messages with customers. She believes that what they found online contradicted her stated reason for visiting the country.
“Apparently, my Instagram says something different,” she sobbed. “They even checked all my messages with customers — the same customers I had informed that we were coming, and they could pick up their orders.”
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The incident has sparked conversation on social media about how digital footprints, particularly social media activity, can impact immigration decisions.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not issued any official comment regarding the specific case, but it is widely known that the agency conducts thorough background checks, including social media reviews, especially when they suspect visa misuse.
The businesswoman’s emotional revelation has prompted calls for more awareness among Nigerian travellers regarding the limitations and proper use of various U.S. visa categories.
