‎Warning Shot to Diaspora Nigerians: “Forget #DettyDecember” – Influencer Sounds Alarm on US Travel Risks

By Chioma Obinagwam
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‎On December 20, 2025, popular Nigerian X influencer Adetutu Balogun (@Tutsy22), with over 375,000 followers, dropped a bombshell post that sent shockwaves through the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States:
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‎”To all Nigerians with U.S. visa, Green card and Permanent resident card: Avoid travelling outside the United States for now. Forget #DettyDecember this year!”
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‎The post quickly racked up hundreds of likes, reposts, and replies, sparking heated debates just as the holiday season kicked into high gear.
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‎What is Detty December – And Why Do Nigerians Go All Out for It?
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‎Detty December is Nigeria’s iconic end-of-year festive explosion, running from mid-December through New Year’s and sometimes into January. The term, a playful Pidgin twist on “dirty December,” was popularized around 2016 by Afrobeats star Mr Eazi. It captures the unrestrained, high-energy celebrations: non-stop parties, beach raves, blockbuster concerts headlined by global stars like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and international acts, street carnivals, family reunions, and lavish “owanbe” gatherings.
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‎For Nigerians in the diaspora – especially those in the US, UK, and Canada – Detty December is more than just a party. It’s a cultural homecoming. Many save up all year to fly back to Lagos, Accra (where it’s also huge), or other hotspots, escaping cold winters for sunshine, jollof rice, Afrobeats vibes, and reconnection with roots. Diaspora returnees, often called “IJGBs” (I Just Got Back), inject massive energy and cash into the economy – think sold-out events, booming hotels, and an estimated $220 million boost to Nigeria alone in recent years.
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‎It’s a time of excess, pride, and joy: dancing till dawn, splashing naira, and celebrating Nigerian excellence in music, fashion, and hospitality.
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‎Why the Urgent Warning? Trump’s New Immigration Crackdown
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‎Adetutu’s stark advice stems from the Trump administration’s expanded travel restrictions, announced on December 16, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026. Nigeria was added to a “partially restricted” list citing national security concerns (including operations by groups like Boko Haram), high visa overstay rates, and vetting challenges.
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‎Key impacts:
‎- New bans or severe limits on issuing immigrant visas and common non-immigrant categories like B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F/M (student), and J (exchange).
‎- Existing valid visas are not revoked, and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are generally exempt.
‎- But here’s the catch: If you leave the US and try to return after the policy kicks in, you could face intense scrutiny, denial of entry, or even administrative processing delays – even with a valid visa.
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‎Many diaspora Nigerians fear getting stranded abroad if border officers flag issues during re-entry. Reports have already emerged of US-based Nigerians canceling flights and shelving Detty December plans to avoid the risk of detention or being turned away at US ports.
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‎Reactions: Panic, Gratitude, and Debate
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‎Adetutu’s post exploded with 67 replies (and counting), reflecting a mix of emotions:
‎- Gratitude and agreement: Many thanked her for the heads-up. Comments like “God bless you for this warning” and “I was about to book my flight – now canceling” poured in from worried visa holders planning family visits or parties.
‎- Panic and frustration: Users shared stories of scrapped travel plans, with some lamenting lost deposits on flights and event tickets. One reply highlighted fears for students on F-1 visas returning from holiday breaks.
‎- Skepticism and pushback: A few argued the warning was overstated, pointing out exemptions for existing visas and Green Cards. Others debated the politics, calling the US policy “unfair collective punishment.”
‎- Broader impact on Detty December: Replies tied it directly to the festivities, with users mourning “no Detty vibes this year” and predicting fewer diaspora returnees, potentially dampening the economic and cultural buzz in Lagos.
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‎The thread became a real-time support network, with people sharing immigration lawyer contacts and advice on safe travel timing.
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‎A Cloud Over the Party Season
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‎For thousands of US-based Nigerians, Detty December 2025 now carries a bittersweet edge. What was meant to be a triumphant return home – filled with concerts, carnivals, and cultural recharge – has turned into a calculated risk. While events in Lagos are still gearing up with star-studded lineups, the diaspora influx may be noticeably thinner this year.
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‎Adetutu Balogun’s post wasn’t just a caution – it was a wake-up call highlighting how global politics can crash the ultimate homecoming party. As one reply summed it up: “Detty December is forever, but better safe than sorry.”
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‎Confiance News reports that If you’re a Nigerian in the US with travel plans, consult official sources and experts before booking that ticket. The vibes might have to wait until the dust settles.

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