Bukola Elizabeth Moses from Nigeria

campaign via No Borders Leeds

Yesterday, Elizabeth was horribly woken by 2 van loads of UKBA officers entering her home. They demanded that she and her 2 children get into the van. She has been taken to Cedars, the detention centre disgracefully run by the children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Elizabeth has been here since 2007 and has started her new life here after fleeing her abusive ex-husband in Nigeria. She has a new partner and both her children (aged 5 and 3) were born here. They are doing very well at the local school and nursery and have lots of friends. Her daughter has received a glowing letter of support from her school.

It is apparent that Elizabeth supports Rachel with her learning at home and completes all tasks we set with enthusiasm. Rachel is currently working at above average in all areas, she is learning at the same level as a 6 year old. She loves coming into school, she is very keen to learn and she will be deeply upset that she will not be starting her schooling today, as are we.

Her younger brother is due to start our Nursery soon too. We are extremely saddened to hear that this may not happen, we are also very concerned that the children will be forced to leave their friends and the home that they know. The family have been in the UK for a significant length of time, especially in a young child’s life, a forced move to what they would perceive to be a foreign country, will have a detrimental affect on their emotional and educational development and well being.

This family are responsible and reliable, they care deeply about their children and value their education and have high aspirations for their children. They would be sad loss to the UK as they are responsible citizens with bright children who will undoubtedly contribute significantly to society and to our economy in the future.

Elizabeth is a loving mother, good neighbour and a member of the local church.

She is a victim of domestic violence. Her ex-husband is a politician and so has powerful contacts within the Nigerian authorities. Before she fled to the UK, she tried to report her ex-husband’s abuse to the Nigerian police but they refused to act because of who he is. This has meant it has been impossible to gather enough evidence to support her asylum case. Her ex-husband has threatened to hunt her down where ever she goes. She has been disowned by her family and has no friends to support/hide her if she is forced back.

If Elizabeth is deported, her life would be in grave danger and her children’s future uncertain.

Elizabeth has been given removal directions for this Friday 6th September at 22.20, Virgin flight VS651 London Heathrow-Lagos.