Deportation case of Nigerian family in Britain currently being reviewed

The immigration authorities in Britain previously dismissed a campaign started by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and Manchester Blackley MP Graham Stringer to keep the Nigerian family in Britain. But have now agreed to review the case after mounted pressure from the public and media.

A bail hearing will decide whether the family can go back to Rochdale while the case is being reviewed. Usually a cash guarantee must be offered, so a fundraiser has been started by friends and supporters for the Iloba family currently in detention at Yarl's Wood detention centre pictured above. Teachers and pupils from North Manchester High School have so far donated hundreds of pounds to prevent the deportation of Saskia Iloba and her family.

It's been reported that crucial documents to support the claim that Mr. Iloba was murdered, including a copy of his death certificate and a DVD of his funeral had been sent to immigration authorities in Britain but were never acknowledged.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said he was urgently seeking confirmation that the items were received.

Rochdale Online News  managed to meet with the family currently at the Yarl's Wood detention centre. Saskia Iloba shared her harrowing experience with Rochdale Online News:

In an exclusive interview with Rochdale Online News yesterday (Saturday 19 July), the family spoke of the moment 13 officers in bullet proof vests burst into their Falinge home and arrested them on 6 July, before trying to force them on a plane to Nigeria.

Saskia, 17, was naked in her bedroom when officers came in and told her she had 20 minutes to gather all her belongings.

She said: “I froze in shock, sort of waiting for them to say sorry and leave the room.

“But they didn’t, they stood there and watched me get dressed. I was horrified and really scared.

“I felt like I had done something really terrible, like I’d murdered someone or something.”

The former Head Girl at North Manchester High School looked away as she fought tears, before adding: “We have never hurt anyone, and we are being kept here like animals.

“This place is hell on Earth; we are sleeping on thin mattresses and eating the worst food I have ever tasted."

She continued: “It’s like they’re trying to break us; trying to make us give in and go to Nigeria, but we are trying to keep each other strong.

"I have started to lose my hair with the stress. That hasn't happened since my dad died."

For more on the interview with Rochdale Online News please click here

manchestereveningnews      Rochdale Online

Related story: Aspiring Nigerian family in Britain fear deportation

Nigerian militants to get N65,000 ($437.54) on a monthly basis from amnesty deal

In addition to the 60-day ceasefire that has so far suspended militant attacks on oil production installations. About 10,000 militants could be getting N65,000 ($437.54) on a monthly basis.

According to the chief coordinator of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ararile, the federal government has budgeted N200 million ($1.346 million) to feed 10,000 militants that will turn up to lay down their weapons at 50 to 60 camps dispersed across the Niger Delta.

The chief made these statements:

"We are working on about 10,000 militants. Each militant will receive an allowance of N20,000 ($134.63) per month in addition to N1,500 ($10.10) per day for food while at a reintegration centre, translating to N65,000 ($437.54) a month.

"Disarmament and demobilisation part of the programme will last 60 days. Thereafter, the reintegration programme is indeterminate."

Ararile said some militants have already surrendered their arms but declined to give a specific figure.

For more details please click here

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Nigerian militants declare ceasefire

Aspiring Nigerian family in Britain fear deportation

After four years of living in Britain. Saskia Iloba (in the picture above) and her family face deportation back to Nigeria because British authorities claim the family did not provide a strong enough case to remain in Britain.

The family fled Nigeria four years ago after their father was murdered. They say the death of their father (who was a policeman) was a politically motivated killing and potential danger awaits them if they return  to Nigeria.

17 year old Saskia Iloba, was a head girl at North Manchester High School and was studying for her A-levels. She's planning to become a doctor. Her 18 year old brother, Toby, had just completed his A-Levels at Loreto College in Manchester and was looking into studying economics at university, he's also into football and had a trial with Stockport County. The youngest sibling, 14 year old Emanuel, is a great footballer, he was scouted by several English Premier League clubs and began  training with Bolton Wanderers. He also signed a sponsorship deal with major German sportswear company Puma.

A request for a review into the Iloba family's right to stay in Britain was recently denied. The entire family,including their mother Betty, were taken from their home in Falinge, Rochdale, and are now awaiting deportation in Yarl's Wood detention centre in Bedfordshire.

Saskia Iloba made a farewell speech at school that brought tears to pupils and staff of North Manchester High according to head Marian Catterall:

"In all my years of teaching, I have never come across a better ambassador for young people."

"After leaving on the prom, she made a speech and told all the girls that they were some of the luckiest people and they had received a wonderful education and should go out and lead good lives."

"Everyone had tears in their eyes. She made the best speech I had ever heard."

It is astonishing that someone like this, who has so much to offer, is being forced out of the country."

Their mother, Mrs Iloba, says she now fears for her children's safety:

"The People who murdered my husband had threatened us before. I thought we could get safety here."

"I am so worried for my children. They are going to give me serious problems when I go back to Nigeria."

A family friend, Diane Newton added: "There are people with criminal convictions who get permission to stay but a nice family like this are being sent back."

"These are the sort of people we want in Britain. Whatever the Home Office say, I believe every word they told me. They wouldn't take any charity and are genuinely terrified about going back."

A spokesman for the Home Office released this statement: "It is our responsibility to enforce the decisions of the courts and send them home."

DailyMail

Related story: Iloba family deported

Video report of Nigerians rioting in China. First protest by foreign nationals in China

Ogogoro banned in Nigeria

After a lengthy deliberation process. A bill of law prohibiting the processing,possession, transportation and consumption of ogogoro (locally made dry gin) has been passed into law by the Benue House of Assembly in Nigeria.

The bill states those who sell ogogoro will be liable to a fine of N50,000 or a year in prison. People caught drinking ogogoro will be fined N20,000 or six months in prison for the first offence and a year in prison without fine for repeat offenders.

AllAfrica

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Video report of Nigerians rioting in China

This past Wednesday, a riot consisting of about 200 Africans (mostly Nigerians) broke out in front of a police station in Guangzhou, China. It is reported to be the first ever protest by foreign nationals in China.  The riot started after the death of a Nigerian during an immigration raid.

Emmanuel Egisimba, a textile trader, is reported to have died from injuries he sustained after jumping from the second floor of a shop window during the immigration raid. More details in the video report up top.

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