Jobaaj Stories
A Nigerian woman who was denied asylum in the UK eight times has finally won her case after joining the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The 49-year-old woman, who moved to the UK in 2011, joined IPOB in 2017. IPOB is considered a terrorist group by Nigeria, but not by the UK.
Judge’s Ruling
UK upper tribunal judge Gemma Loughran ruled that because the woman is linked to IPOB, she faces a real risk of persecution if she returns to Nigeria.
Initially, a lower court rejected her claim, arguing that she joined IPOB just to strengthen her asylum case. However, the upper tribunal overturned this decision, stating that Nigerian authorities often target and arrest IPOB members without properly assessing their involvement.
Controversy Over the Decision
The ruling has sparked criticism, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip calling it a “comically ludicrous” interpretation of human rights laws.
The woman had argued that if she returned to Nigeria, she feared being arrested at the airport and possibly disappearing. The tribunal ultimately ruled in her favor, allowing her to stay in the UK.
