Denmark Pays for Prosthetic Leg of Nigerian Pirate Who Attacked its Navy
Nigerian pirate injured in a 2021 gunfight with Danish sailors is now receiving a taxpayer-funded prosthetic leg after being granted asylum in Denmark, a decision that has brought significant public debate.
Lucky Frances was involved in a firefight with the Danish frigate Esbern Snare in the Gulf of Guinea, a region once notorious for piracy. A Danish Navy Seahawk helicopter took off from the frigate in response to information that a vessel with pirates was approaching several commercial ships.
The clash resulted in the deaths of four of his companions, while Frances suffered severe injuries that required the amputation of his leg. The Danes took care of the injured man, who was first admitted to a Ghana hospital, and his leg was amputated. He was later brought to Denmark for medical treatment.
During his stay in Denmark, Frances applied for asylum, citing his health condition as a reason to remain in the country. After a lengthy legal battle, he was eventually granted a prosthetic leg, according to B.T., a Danish news outlet.
His case quickly became a focus of Danish media, drawing widespread attention and criticism. Many politicians see it as a source of embarrassment for the Danish government, which has traditionally taken a tough stance on migration and asylum.
"I cannot defend this decision," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has faced mounting pressure over the matter. Her administration has consistently maintained a hard line against asylum seekers, making this case particularly controversial.
Despite being found guilty of endangering the lives of Danish soldiers, Frances did not serve a prison sentence. After his asylum request was approved, he was granted an education plan, job counseling and an "integration contract" to help him become a contributing member of Danish society.
As part of the integration process, Frances must sign an "integration contract" that outlines specific goals he must achieve to remain eligible for self-support and repatriation benefits. This plan also includes language lessons to help him become fluent in Danish and assistance in finding a job suitable for an amputee. Additionally, he will receive a stipend to help cover the costs of his prosthetic leg.
The Danish People's Party (DF), a right-wing opposition party, has been particularly vocal in its criticism. Mikkel Bjørn, the DF's integration spokesman, said, "This is absolutely absurd. That man should never have been in Denmark, and to imagine that he can now be meaningfully integrated into Danish society is completely beyond the pale."
Initially, Frances expressed a desire to return to Nigeria after recovering from his injuries. However, he later decided to apply for asylum in Denmark, saying in a 2023 interview, "Going back to Africa will not be good for me."
His lawyer, Emma Ring Damgaard of the Danish firm Storm Thygesen, defended the decision, emphasizing the complexity of his situation. "This makes good sense," she said. "There is a long and painful rehabilitation program ahead. You can't just send him back to Nigeria."
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world's most dangerous waterways, with regular kidnappings. In 2019, the region accounted for more than 90 percent of global crew member abductions.
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