Undocumented Nigerian wins 500,000 euros in Italian lottery, finally obtains residency permit

Imagbe Ehizomwengie, a 36-year-old Nigerian man who arrived in Italy in 2016, was selling handkerchiefs outside supermarkets to survive. His life took a dramatic turn in October 2025 when he bought a scratch-off lottery ticket that won him 500,000 euros.

Despite the immense joy of winning, his elation was short-lived. As an undocumented immigrant, he could not open a bank account to claim his prize. His previous application for "special protection" status had been denied, and annual appeals yielded no response from the administration. He was caught in a cruel cycle: without money, he couldn't prove the financial independence needed to support his residency permit application.

Seeking a solution, Imagbe entrusted his winning ticket to an "acquaintance" who subsequently defrauded him, keeping half of the winnings. He then turned to his cousin, who had an Italian bank account. Ultimately, Imagbe managed to recover half of the prize money, totaling 250,000 euros. He used this sum to open an African food shop in Falconara Marittima, on the Adriatic coast.

Furthermore, the administration has since granted Imagbe a residency permit, citing his newfound "financial independence" and the success of his shop, named Mama Africa. "It's a huge relief. You might find it incredible, but getting the residency permit means more to me than winning the money. I want to work and contribute to society," the Nigerian stated.

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It's a huge relief. You might find it incredible, but getting the residency permit means more to me than winning the money. I want to work and contribute to society.