14/02/2026
A Plea for Compassion and Consideration: The Story of Ikenna Okoro Kenneth
My name is Ikenna Okoro Kenneth. I arrived in Sweden in January 2021 as a master’s
student, hopeful and determined to build a brighter future through education. Upon arrival,
however, I was informed that my admission could not proceed because my residence permit
had been issued late. Since I could not begin the second semester without completing the
first, I was advised by the university to apply for a new admission.
I promptly contacted the migration authorities to explain my situation and inform them that I
had followed the school’s advice by applying for a new program in Business Management
and Marketing. Despite this, I was instructed to return to Nigeria. With the assistance of a
lawyer, I appealed, explaining why returning immediately was not possible. Following the
court’s decision, I was advised to seek asylum, which I did in July 2021.
In early 2022, I found employment with a solar panel company and worked there until July
2023. During this period, I applied for a work permit, but my application was rejected after
the company unfortunately went bankrupt. Despite multiple attempts to regularize my status,
my applications were denied and I was instructed to leave Sweden. This was devastating, as
it meant the sudden collapse of the future I had worked so hard to build.
At the same time, my health began to deteriorate. I had been experiencing high blood
pressure and was under medical supervision. Doctors initially found no serious underlying
cause, apart from low potassium levels, and advised dietary adjustments. Despite
medication, my condition worsened.
After leaving Sweden for Denmark, I became seriously ill and was rushed to hospital. I was
transferred to another hospital, underwent emergency chest surgery, and had a catheter
inserted and I went into coma for over a month. When I regained consciousness, I was
informed that I had suffered kidney failure. I spent three months in hospital, during which
fluid was drained from my lungs and heart. Since then, I have required dialysis three times a
week to stay alive.
After my discharge, I informed the migration authorities of my medical condition. Despite my
situation, my applications were still rejected. I was taken into custody and placed in a
deportation facility, from which I was transported to dialysis sessions because I was unable
to walk independently. After six weeks, I was released but required to report to the police
every Monday and Friday the same days as my dialysis treatments.
From 25 May 2024 until December 2025, I complied fully with all instructions. After every
dialysis session, even when treatments lasted up to five hours, I reported as directed without
missing a single appointment. I attended all meetings and answered every call.
Nevertheless, I was again detained and informed that I would be deported.
My life depends on dialysis. Doctors have made it clear that my only options are continuous
dialysis or a kidney transplant. Returning to Nigeria would place me in grave danger. Dialysis
treatment there is extremely limited and often inaccessible due to its high cost. I have no
financial support available. My father is deceased, and my mother and siblings currently live
in an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Benue State due to Boko Haram and other
Islamic terrorist killings against Christians. Given the situation back home, I do not have the
means to survive without treatment, and my family also has no means to support me.
I plea for compassion and considering that complied with every instruction given to me by
the police and immigration authorities. I have always tried to contribute positively wherever I
could through my work and by volunteering in various church groups. I am only asking for
the chance to live.
I share my story in the hope that it reaches compassionate hearts, people who believe in the
value of human life and dignity. I am grateful for the medical professionals whose efforts
have kept me alive, and I hope those efforts will not be in vain.
This is my story. I hope it will be heard.
