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Fingerprints at the U.S. border were the downfall of a 29-year-old African man who allegedly entered Canada illegally and spent months posing as a Windsor high school student.

Jonathan Nicola, previously believed to be 17, was flagged when he tried to go to Michigan April 15 because he’d done it once before. But the first time he tried, according to the Canada Border Services Agency, he told authorities he was born in 1986.

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Authorities are keeping Nicola, who turns 30 on Nov. 1, in jail until his next hearing with the Immigration Refugee Board because they consider him a flight risk.

His teammates on the Catholic Central High School basketball squad said Thursday they didn’t believe it.

“He got a lot of character, genuine guy,” said Ramkel Wal, 17. “You know I feel for him right now. Free Johnny. I hope he gets out safe. I hope they’re taking care of him over there. People are going to have their opinions, but until they know the truth, right now people shouldn’t be saying stuff or bashing anybody.”