Anthony Olubunmi George, a 63-year-old Nigerian man who has lived in the UK since 1986, has won his appeal to remain in the country after nearly four decades of uncertainty. George, who suffered two strokes in 2019 that left him with mobility and speech difficulties, has faced long periods of homelessness and says he has no close family left in Nigeria. He expressed relief at the ruling, describing it as a new beginning after years of fear and instability.
His immigration troubles stemmed partly from poor legal representation. In 2005, his former solicitors submitted a forged passport entry stamp without his knowledge, leading to prolonged disputes with the Home Office. The solicitors have since been reported to authorities, and one was struck off.
A Home Office rejection had argued that George’s friends and family could visit him in Nigeria, but the immigration tribunal judge ruled in his favor, noting his destitution, health struggles, and the misconduct of his former lawyers. The judge also observed that George avoided medical care out of fear his immigration status would be exposed, which contributed to his health decline.
His current lawyer, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, said George’s case reflected both Home Office policies and the failures of his previous legal representatives. He welcomed the ruling, calling it long overdue after almost 40 years of waiting.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
