Immigration Minister agrees to review Iloba deportation case

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen’s request for a review into the Iloba family’s right to stay in the UK has been agreed by Immigration Minister Phil Woolas MP. The Iloba family are currently awaiting deportation in a centre in Yarl’s Wood in Bedfordshire. They were taken to Stanstead Airport this morning at 7.30am for deportation but Saskia Iloba and her younger brother refused to embark. Now any deportation has been stopped pending a personal review of the case by Mr Woolas.

Mr Rowen said: “I am delighted that Mr Woolas has agreed to my request for an intervention and will now be ensuring that the Ilobas receive the very best legal advice. There is a considerable case that this family, who have touched so many lives, should remain here.

“I have received many messages of support for the Iloba family and am fully aware of the strength of feeling over this case. I have been working on the case since May 2008 and have made representations to the Home Office about this case, and you can be rest assured that I will continue to do what I can to support Mrs Iloba and her children, and to oppose their removal to Nigeria.

“I am aware of their major contribution to life across Greater Manchester including the excellent progress the children have made in school including her son who was being scouted by Premier League Teams including Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City and Manchester United. It is now up to the Home Office to step in as they have the final say in deciding whether this family may remain in the UK. I have done everything within my power and hope that the Home Office have a last minute change of heart in this extremely sad case.”

Saskia, Toby and Emanuel Iloba were tipped for glowing futures after being hailed by their teachers as some of the best pupils they had ever seen.

Saskia Iloba fled Nigeria with her family after her father was killed, but has been a star pupil and head girl.

Saskia and her family settled in Rochdale four years ago after the murder of their father. The family say that it was politically motivated and they face repercussions on their return.
Saskia, 17, is a former head girl at North Manchester High School. She was studying for her A-levels and had been hoping to train as a doctor.

Emanuel, 14, is an exceptional footballer and was being chased by several Premier League teams.

He was training with Bolton Wanderers and sportswear giant Puma had already signed a sponsorship deal with him.

Toby, 18, is also a good footballer and has had a trial with Stockport County. He had just finished his A-levels at Loreto College in Manchester and hoped to study economics at university.