A Nigerian man who won €500,000 in an Italian lottery but was barred from collecting his winnings due to his undocumented status has finally been granted a residency permit. Imagbe Ehizomwengie, 36, expressed relief, stating that receiving the permit means more to him than the money.
A Long-Awaited Permit
Ehizomwengie purchased a €5 Gratta e Vinci scratchcard in Turin last October using money from selling handkerchiefs and begging. Upon discovering his win, he cried with joy, but the excitement was short-lived due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Speaking to the media, Ehizomwengie recounted his treacherous journey from Nigeria to Italy in 2016, including two years of captivity in Libya. His request for a special protection permit was rejected under Italy's restrictive policies.
From Street Seller to Shop Owner
Unable to work legally, Ehizomwengie survived as a street seller. After winning, he couldn't open a bank account without a residency permit. A Nigerian friend helped transfer half the winnings to his cousin's account, which was used to purchase a shop called Mama Africa in Falconara.
Legal Victory
Ehizomwengie's lawyer, Andrea Palazzeschi, argued his case in an Ancona court, which ordered a residence permit be issued. The court considered his Italian language skills, work at the shop, and financial independence. Palazzeschi emphasized that the permit was granted based on merit, not the lottery win.
Celebration and Future Plans
Ehizomwengie plans to host a party in Falconara to celebrate his permit but insists he wants to work and live a normal life. "I want to keep my feet firmly on the ground," he said.
Gratta e Vinci scratchcards are popular in Italy, with previous winners including an unemployed fisherman who found a winning ticket in a bin.
