It’s a victory worth celebrating in our community. Anthony Olubunmi George, a disabled Nigerian man who has lived in the UK for nearly four decades, has finally won his fight against deportation — securing the right to remain in the country he has called home since 1986.
A Life of Struggle, Now a Story of Hope
Anthony, now 63, came to the UK at just 24 years old. He has lived here continuously for 38 years without any criminal convictions. But his journey has not been easy.
- In 2019, he suffered two strokes that left him with speech and mobility difficulties.
- He has faced long spells of homelessness, relying on friends and community members for shelter.
- With no close family left in Nigeria, deportation would have meant being uprooted to a country he no longer has ties to.
“I don’t know how many different sofas I’ve slept on, too many to count,” Anthony shared.
For years, his applications for leave to remain were rejected by the Home Office. To make matters worse, his former solicitors had submitted a forged passport stamp without his knowledge — a mistake that would haunt his immigration journey for years.
A Landmark Decision
This month, an immigration tribunal judge ruled in Anthony’s favour, recognising both his ill health and the poor legal representation he had previously received.
The judge highlighted:
- His previous solicitor was struck off for misconduct.
- Anthony avoided visiting his GP due to fears over his immigration status — decisions that worsened his health.
- He had lived destitute for years, unable to rebuild his life while stuck in limbo.
With the ruling, Anthony can now stay in the UK without fear.
“I’m so happy I don’t know what to say,” he said with tears of relief. “My life has just begun again. Before I didn’t have hope, but now by God’s grace I can move forward with my life.”
The Lawyer Who Fought Back
Anthony’s current lawyer, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, called the case a “38-year injustice” and criticised the Home Office for repeatedly refusing to review the matter outside of court.
“My client has suffered two strokes, has no family in Nigeria, and has lived in limbo for almost four decades,” Kandiah said. “We are overjoyed that justice has finally been done.”
Why This Matters for Nigerians in the UK
Anthony’s story is more than one man’s victory — it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of Nigerians in the UK.
- It shows the importance of good legal representation in immigration cases.
- It highlights how community and faith can carry us through even the darkest times.
- And it reminds us that, no matter how long the fight, justice is possible.
At Naija UK Connect, we celebrate Anthony’s win as a victory for our community. His courage and persistence shine a light of hope for others navigating the UK’s immigration system.
✊ Anthony Olubunmi George’s victory is our victory.
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