CBSA investigation into stowaway attempt at Manitoba border leads to prison sentence

A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) criminal investigation has led to prison sentences for two individuals involved in an illegal crossing attempt into Canada at the Sprague port of entry in Manitoba.

On November 4, 2026, Annan Nigel Ferguson, a 50-year old U.S. citizen, was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty in Winnipeg Provincial Court of aiding or abetting failure to report, contrary to section 131 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). With pre-sentencing time in custody, he has approximately three months remaining to serve.

On May 7, 2026, Ferguson arrived at the Sprague port of entry driving a minivan with a U.S. license plate. After detecting inconsistencies with Ferguson’s declaration statement, CBSA border services officers searched the vehicle and identified a 46-year old foreign national, Temitope Omofuyi Davies, hiding in the trunk of the minivan. Both Ferguson and Davies were arrested by the CBSA.

During an interview with CBSA criminal investigators, Davies admitted he paid Ferguson $1,000 USD to facilitate the illegal entry, and the money was found in Ferguson’s wallet as evidence of payment. Davies had previously been caught in March 2026 attempting to illegally cross into Canada between ports of entry near Surrey, B.C.

On May 8, 2026, the CBSA charged Ferguson and Davies under the IRPA, and both remained in custody until sentencing.

Davies pled guilty on August 19, 2026, in Manitoba Provincial Court to the charge of failure to report, contrary to section 124 of IRPA. He was sentenced to time served, equivalent to 156 days in prison.

“The CBSA border services officers and criminal investigations team in Manitoba skillfully uncovered and investigated this illegal stowaway entry attempt,” said Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region. “We will continue to gather evidence and pursue prosecution against those who attempt to willfully violate Canada’s immigration system. All persons seeking entry to Canada must present themselves to the CBSA.”