Don't know how many of you are aware of the case of Afusat Saliu, facing IMMINENT deportation with her 2 daughters to Nigeria where the girls (aged 4 and 2) face almost certain FGM. A Judicial Review of their case had been granted a few weeks ago but they have been collected and taken to a holding centre facing deportation this evening.
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Yesterday, without warning, Afusat and her two daughters were collected and driven away to a holding centre near Sheffield. The Home Office wants to deport them all on a Virgin Atlantic plane to Lagos tonight at 22:20. [1]
Please tweet Virgin boss Richard Branson @richardbranson to ask him to step in & help.
Afusat's solicitor had already started Judicial Review proceedings to get a review into her case, so it is shocking that this has happened. The Home Office rarely removes someone when a Judicial Review is issued and their own guidelines state that they must give a minimum of 72 hours notice of removal in any case. Afusat was not given this notice.
Afusat has already endured extreme distress. This month she came home to find someone had been in her house. It was only the next evening that a warrant was posted through her door. It had been Home Office staff. This is so frightening for an already distressed single mum with two small children, particularly when her case has been in the public eye.
Afusat's lawyers are fighting hard today to protect her.
You can also help. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic have delayed deportations before after being overwhelmed with complaints. And Richard Branson's own daughter has spoken out against FGM. [2]
If enough of us contact Richard Branson we could convince him to ensure Virgin do not fly the family. Tweet Richard Branson now.
You could also call Virgin Atlantic headquarters direct on 0844 8110 000.
Thank you.
PS If you are not on Twitter keep sharing the petition www.change.org/Afusat
1- Guardian: Nigerians due to be deported, despite claim of female genital mutilation risk
2 - Virgin: It's time to speak out against FGM