Simon Guobadia Deported to Nigeria Amid Divorce Battle with Porsha Williams

In a stunning development that’s rocking the world of reality TV and high society circles alike, Simon Guobadia, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Porsha Williams, has been deported to Nigeria following months of legal drama and immigration complications. The move comes after his release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, where he had been held since February 2025.

Sources close to the case confirmed on Tuesday that Guobadia was put on a flight to Lagos over the weekend, ending a decades-long residency in the United States that had been marked by controversy, scrutiny, and unresolved legal questions surrounding his immigration status. His sudden removal from the country has added a dramatic new twist to what was already an emotionally charged and very public divorce from Williams, which has gripped fans and observers since its announcement in early 2024.

Simon’s legal troubles trace back far further than most people realized. It was revealed earlier this year that Guobadia had immigration violations dating back to the 1980s. According to court documents and federal sources, Simon originally entered the U.S. on a visa that he overstayed. Despite efforts over the years to adjust his status, the government apparently never approved his permanent residency, and the issue remained quietly unresolved in the background. ICE became involved again in late 2024 when the case resurfaced amid routine federal reviews and new red flags tied to business transactions and international travel.

His February 2025 arrest by ICE stunned many, especially as it came while he was still enmeshed in legal disputes with Porsha. The former couple, who tied the knot in November 2022, announced their split just 15 months into the marriage, setting off a media firestorm and speculation about the real cause behind the split. Porsha, known for her no-nonsense approach on camera, has largely stayed silent about the reasons behind their separation, but insiders say immigration issues and trust problems played a significant role in the unraveling of their union.

Now, with Simon deported, their ongoing divorce proceedings have become even more complicated. The next court date is set for June 11, 2025 — just a day after confirmation of his deportation was made public. Simon is expected to appear via video conference from Nigeria, where he’ll dial in to battle over what has become the most hotly contested point in the divorce: the couple’s lavish marital home in Atlanta and the terms of their prenuptial agreement.

Legal analysts say that Simon’s physical absence from the United States won’t prevent the divorce from proceeding, but it could weaken his position in property negotiations. Being outside the U.S. may make it more difficult for him to present evidence, participate fully in discussions, or influence the proceedings in real time. “It’s rare but not unheard of for a divorce to continue across international borders, especially when one party has been deported,” said Beverly Ross, a family law attorney based in Atlanta. “What matters now is how he intends to assert his claims from overseas.”

Porsha, meanwhile, has remained focused on her work and her daughter from a previous relationship. Friends say she’s “emotionally drained but determined” to get through this with dignity and is working closely with her legal team to finalize the divorce as cleanly as possible. Those close to her say she had no role in Simon’s immigration issues and was reportedly unaware of the extent of the complications when they first got together.

Simon Guobadia’s rise in the Atlanta social scene was nothing short of meteoric. A businessman with interests in entertainment, petroleum, and hospitality, he was often seen at exclusive events and was known for flaunting a luxurious lifestyle on social media. His appearances alongside Porsha on The Real Housewives of Atlanta gave fans a glimpse of his wealth and charisma, but the fairytale began to fray quickly behind the scenes. Allegations of infidelity, financial instability, and discrepancies in his past began surfacing not long after their wedding.

Now, as the dust settles from his sudden removal from the U.S., many are asking how much of Simon’s carefully curated image was real. Former business associates have begun speaking up, painting a more complex picture of a man who, while ambitious and charming, often left a trail of unanswered questions and legal challenges. There are now rumors that U.S. authorities may continue to investigate his past dealings, especially in relation to tax filings and investments made while his immigration status was under question.

For Porsha, this moment represents both a personal and professional crossroads. Her return to Bravo for the upcoming season of RHOA is already being hyped by fans who are eager to hear her side of the story. Whether or not she chooses to share intimate details on camera remains to be seen, but sources suggest she may use the platform to reclaim her narrative and close this painful chapter once and for all.

The spectacle of a high-profile deportation in the middle of a celebrity divorce has predictably set social media ablaze. Hashtags like #SimonGuobadia and #PorshaWilliams have been trending for days, with opinions split between sympathy, shock, and schadenfreude. Some users have questioned how someone with such a public profile could have unresolved immigration issues for so long, while others have called attention to what they see as systemic flaws in how such cases are handled.

In Nigeria, the news of Simon’s return has also sparked curiosity. Known for his international business ventures and philanthropic gestures, he’s expected to resume activity in Lagos, though it's unclear whether he’ll be welcomed back by former associates or viewed with suspicion after his American ordeal. What remains to be seen is whether Guobadia will attempt to fight his deportation from abroad or simply start over in Nigeria, possibly using his story as a springboard for a redemption arc.

As for the June 11 divorce hearing, it promises to be tense, emotional, and potentially game-changing. All eyes will be on the courtroom screen as Simon joins virtually from halfway across the world to face a woman who once saw him as her forever. Whether justice, closure, or further drama awaits, one thing is certain: this saga is far from over.