A Nigerian entrepreneur has attracted widespread attention online after sharing an emotional video in which she recounted being denied entry into the United States, despite holding a valid visa.
Identified on Instagram as @onyxhair_bynellyng, the businesswoman said she travelled to Texas on a B1/B2 visa — typically issued for tourism or business meetings — with the intention of attending a trade exhibition.
Upon arrival, however, she said U.S. immigration officials detained her for 24 hours before placing her 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 video, which she recorded while in flight back to Nigeria. “I told them I was going to exhibit [my products] but I did not know any better.”
She explained that during questioning, U.S. officials reviewed her Instagram account and private conversations with customers. She believes this online activity conflicted with the purpose stated in her visa.
“Apparently, my Instagram says something different,” she said tearfully. “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.”
The video has since gone viral, sparking debate on social media about how digital footprints, particularly on social media, can influence immigration outcomes.
While the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not commented on the specific incident, it is known that the agency performs in-depth background checks, including reviews of online profiles, in cases where visa misuse is suspected.
The incident has led to renewed calls for better education among Nigerian travellers on the proper use and restrictions of U.S. visa categories.
