Bola and her 5 year old son Rafeeq were deported on Friday. Bola has lived in this country for over 10 years and has no relatives or means of support in Nigeria. Rafeeq, who was born in England, has never visited Nigeria. 

 Bola had been moved to the North East by the Border Agency and had no support network when she suffered from mental illness, brought on by a previous attempt at deportation.  Rafeeq had to be placed in foster care.  We got to know the family when we fostered Rafeeq for 6 months.  Over the last 15 months the mother’s health has recovered and she has developed friendship groups.  Rafeeq is a popular member of the local school. 

Rafeeq has mild learning difficulties and will have no comprehension of what is happening to him. Due to these difficulties, he will find it very difficult to adapt to such a change and has also already suffered once from his mother's mental breakdown.  Although Bola's health has improved, it is still very fragile. She has no wish to return to a place where she has no contacts or support mechanisms. The deportation would leave Bola and Rafeeq destitute.

Bola sought sanctuary in this country as an asylum seeker. She came for the sake of  her safety following a tragic family accident.. Sending them back to an uncertain future against their wishes is the worst possible outcome.  

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