- Initially, Frances had expressed a desire to return to Nigeria, but he later decided to apply for asylum, citing his physical condition and discussions with his family
The Danish government has faced backlash after it spent £300,000 (4.2 million Danish kroner or N635.1 million) on a prosthetic leg for a Nigerian pirate, Lucky Frances, who was injured in a shootout with the Danish Navy in the Gulf of Guinea in 2021.
Frances, 42, was severely wounded, while four other pirates were killed during the confrontation involving the Danish warship Esbern Snare.
After being brought to Denmark for medical treatment, Frances was found guilty of endangering lives but avoided jail time.
In 2023, he successfully applied for asylum and has since been granted residency in Denmark. The decision to grant asylum and cover his medical costs, including the prosthetic leg, has sparked outrage among Danish politicians.
Mikkel Bjorn, integration spokesman for the Danish People’s Party, called the situation “absurd,” criticising Denmark’s migration policies and the use of taxpayer money. Frances has also been enrolled in a language programme and is receiving assistance in finding a job as an amputee.
Initially, Frances had expressed a desire to return to Nigeria, but he later decided to apply for asylum, citing his physical condition and discussions with his family. Despite criticism, he remains in Denmark with a residence permit.