"Sad end" as Iloba family face deportation

Saskia Iloba putting a brave face on as she talks to Rochdale reporter Kirsty Rigg inside at Yarl's Wood detention centre

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The Iloba family, of Rochdale, have lost their appeal and now face deportation.

The family had a dramatic reprieve as Rochdale's MP Paul Rowen’s request for a review into the Iloba family’s right to stay in the UK was agreed to by the Home Office immigration minister Phil Woolas.

The Iloba family, sent to the UK by their policemen father, fear they will be persecuted if they return to Nigeria, where it is believed their father was “murdered” in a politically charged attack.

The Falinge family, who settled in Rochdale five years ago, were taken away from their Rochdale home on Friday 10 July after it was decided they would be deported to Nigeria.

After refusing to board a plane on 15 July, the Home Office had decided to review the case. During this time the Ilobas had were detained in Yarl’s Wood immigration detention centre, Bedfordshire.

In a letter to MP Paul Rowen, immigration minister delivered the verdict and stated that “the circumstances for the case are not sufficiently compelling or compassionate as to warrant the exercise of my discretion in their favour”

MP Paul Rowen commented:

“This is a sad end to a case that we have fought so hard for.”

Betty Iloba and her children, Toby (18), Saskia (17), and Emmanuel (14), have the support school teachers, fellow pupils, and family friends as well as the local community. MP Paul Rowen also contributed to the Iloba campaign.

MP Paul Rowen said: “The Iloba Family have made a significant impact and touched many lives and I am saddened that their positive contribution to Greater Manchester has been ignored. This case is about the Government attempting to sound tough on immigration and any compassion has gone out of the window. Their friends, teachers and fellow church goers will be devastated.”

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/27047/hopeful-smiles-from-behind-the-barbed-wire-fence
• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/27038/i-will-stay-strong-for-my-family-saskia-speaks-out
• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/27036/please-help-our-saskia
• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/26924/immigration-minister-agrees-to-review-iloba-deportation-case