Ailing Nigerian Invalidated And Stranded After Decades In UK

• 61-year-old Anthony Olubunmi George risks deportation from UK

• Arrived in 1986 at age 24, suffered strokes in 2019

• Home Office rejects applications despite 38 years in the country

Eko Hot Blog reports that after nearly four decades in the United Kingdom, a disabled Nigerian man finds himself in a precarious situation.

Anthony Olubunmi George, now 61 years old, faces the possibility of deportation despite his long-standing presence in the country since 1986.

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Arriving in the UK at the tender age of 24, George has called the nation home for 38 years. However, a series of unfortunate events, including two debilitating strokes in 2019, have significantly impacted his ability to speak and move freely.

Moreover, George revealed a heartbreaking reality – he no longer has any immediate relatives residing in Nigeria.

This, coupled with numerous episodes of homelessness, has exacerbated his struggles.

“I don’t know how many different sofas I’ve slept on – too many to count,” he lamented.

Despite multiple applications for leave to remain in the UK, the Home Office has consistently rejected George’s requests. The most recent denial, issued on May 7, 2024, has left him in a state of uncertainty and despair.

Compounding his challenges, a past misrepresentation by his previous solicitors, involving a falsified entry stamp in his passport, has further complicated matters. However, George maintains that he was unaware of the deception until years later.

Naga Kandiah, George’s current lawyer from MTC Solicitors, attributes his client’s difficulties to the poor legal representation he received in the past.

“His situation is not just because of Home Office policies but also because of poor representation by previous solicitors who failed to uphold professional integrity and ethical standards,” Kandiah stated.

In response to the latest rejection, Kandiah has filed an appeal challenging the Home Office’s decision. He emphasizes the exceptional nature of George’s case, citing his prolonged residency, health issues, and lack of familial ties in Nigeria.

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A spokesperson for the Home Office, however, defended their stance, stating, “Applications have to be considered on their merits in accordance with the immigration rules, and applicants are responsible for demonstrating that they meet these rules.”

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