A FAMILY facing deportation has been given a temporary reprieve - after refusing to board the plane.
Former North Manchester High School head girl Saskia Iloba, 17, and brothers Toby, 18, and 14-year-old Emanuel have been praised as model pupils.
Mum Betty brought the children to Britain four years ago after their policeman father was murdered in Nigeria.
The family - who fear they will face political persecution - were due to be flown to Nigeria on Wednesday morning.
But Saskia and younger brother Emanuel refused to board the plane at Stanstead, arguing that a last-ditch legal appeal had been lodged.
Later in the day, immigration minister Phil Woolas, the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, agreed to review the case to consider compassionate grounds for staying.
Last-ditch
The Ilobas, who had been living in Fallinge, Rochdale, have now been returned to Yarl's Wood detention centre in Bedfordshire, where they must stay while their future is decided.
Speaking from detention, Saskia said: "We just want to thank everyone who supported us. Whatever happens to us, it has really meant a lot to know that people care."
The last-minute move came after the M.E.N printed comments from teachers and friends who praised the family.
Further support came this week from a Premiership talent scout, who claimed football whiz Emanuel had been destined to play for England.
'Exceptional'
Derek Langley, Manchester United's recruitment officer, said: "This boy is exceptional. But it isn't just about him being a talented young player.
"I have met the family and they are academically brilliant and have a real desire to contribute to this country.
"I am absolutely disgusted that they aren't being given the chance to do that."
Teacher Claire McIlwraith, who has been campaigning for the family, said: "We are praying common sense will prevail."
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, who was among those who lobbied immigration Mr Woolas, said the Iloba family had made a `major contribution' to life in Greater Manchester.
He said: "There is a considerable case that this family, who have touched so many lives should remain here.
"I am delighted that Mr Woolas has agreed to my request for a personal intervention and will now be ensuring they receive the very best legal advice."
The UK Border Agency said the family's position remains the same at the moment and it is still their responsibility to `enforce the decision of the courts and send them home'.
Family lose fight to stay in Britain
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salfordrat (16/07/2009 at 09:05)
What better advert could government hope for when it comes to redressing some of the misconceptions about immigration? Not to mention the fact that this family make a mockery of the BNP's hate mongering claims that all immigrants are merely dole scroungers and scammers. Let's face it, where there is one such family there must be more. I would personally have no problem if my neighbours were as well rounded a family as this. Think on.
Thomas The Tank, Rusholme (16/07/2009 at 09:23)
After all the comments that were posted on the original story, how many people said things like one rule for one and another rule for others. it just makes a total mockery of the our so called immigration system? We should re-name it the "PICK & CHOOSE" immigration service.
I REST MY CASE!
Ace , manchester (16/07/2009 at 10:28)
Andy., Bury (16/07/2009 at 11:28)
Widespread political violence linked to the April elections led to the deaths of at least 200 people. Among those killed were candidates running for political office, their supporters, INEC officials and bystanders. The election period also saw attacks on journalists, intimidation and harassment of voters, and widespread destruction of property. There was also political violence around the local government elections in November and December.Politicians used armed gangs in their electoral campaigns to attack their opponents and their supporters. The government failed to take effective action to deal with the violence or to address the role of politicians in fomenting it....Members of the police and security forces extrajudicially executed hundreds of people. These included killings by police during routine road checks or for refusing to pay a bribe, shootings of suspected armed robbers on arrest, and extrajudicial executions of detainees in police stations. The military were also frequently involved in extrajudicial executions, especially in the Niger Delta.
Baron Greenback (16/07/2009 at 11:43)
Yes, the rules may have been bent here, but they are bent every day by workshy, lazy, dolite scroungers claiming benefits they aren't entitled too. These people cause much more harm to our society.
Petty, little Englanders. Pathetic.
LittleMancMinx, Ashton Under Lyne (16/07/2009 at 12:19)
Baron Greenback (16/07/2009 at 12:39)
One rule for one and one rule for everyone else? Yep. Just like in every other aspect of life. Don't see you whinging about those though, even though most of them affect us more than immigration issues.
Also, I guess all those banging on about the rule of law never break the speed limit, or park on double yellow lines or whatever.
Little England, alive and well. What a shame.
And don't give me the 'at least they are our scroungers' argument. It's pathetic. And I can simply retort that until we have our own house in order, who on Earth are we to judge others?
lovinthebanter, Manchester (16/07/2009 at 12:53)
Andy., Bury
16/07/2009 at 11:28
They'll all be here soon then. All with the same excuse and reason for not going back how can we prove otherwise that they wont be persecuted and if we let one stay we have to let them all stay so best set the trend right now and put a stop to it.
Andy., Bury (16/07/2009 at 13:02)
Henry Kelly, Ireland (16/07/2009 at 13:36)
Thomas The Tank, Rusholme (16/07/2009 at 13:42)
How come you always always have to come with statistics this statistics that? We do read and watch the news, we don't need you cutting and pasting something you have read, we are quite capable of doing that for ourselves THANK YOU! The issue here is how much more intake we can intake? And what shall we do with the as you so politely put it " SCROUNGERS" you are quite simply insulting and presumptive, just because people have found themselves on welfare does not mean they are scroungers? Everyday there are troubles here and there in this land and in that land! We in as you call it quite appropriately " LITTLE BRITAIN" we are only little? We can not keep taking in all and sundry it's this attitude that has brought this once "BIG BRITAIN" to it's knees, please don't start spouting your free and liberal stuff at me PLEASE!!! Me and no doubt countless millions in this country are just sick and tired of all that open door **** And please don't cast me as is the way normally with you folk as a racist or the like. I will be greatly offended. Need I say it? I grew up all my life with a good morals and a accept all cultures upbringing. BUT! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And lots of my differnet ethnic backgrounded friends agree too! So where does that place them in your very one sided attitude? Are they racist too?
Andy., Bury (16/07/2009 at 13:52)
Baron Greenback (16/07/2009 at 14:00)
I also love the way you use do-gooder as an insult. And I know that some on welfare are not scroungers. I have been there myself, you know. It was horrible. But the simple fact is that there are an awful lot of people claiming benefits which they should not be.
Immigration is a minor problem when compared to these scroungers. And I call them such because they are.
Baron Greenback (16/07/2009 at 14:01)
Thomas The Tank, Rusholme (16/07/2009 at 14:49)
So just to keep on subject then. we should stick to the one rule for all rule? End of disscusion for me anyway.
And I will try to refrain from using CAP's LOCK honest I will.
Baron Greenback (16/07/2009 at 15:17)
I doubt it. Oh well, carry on ranting.
Rattled my cage? Please, you give yourself far too much credit.
Fola Evans (16/07/2009 at 15:27)
Thomas The Tank, Rusholme (16/07/2009 at 15:46)
"As soon as their stay is confirmed, it won't be long before they're off to Nigeria on their hols, you'll see."
Beautifully put, and right on the button. That is why this country needs to get it right, and stick to the rules. Thank you for that well put observation. Refreshing!
Ace , manchester (16/07/2009 at 15:46)
Black Flag (16/07/2009 at 15:48)
Well, we can't have people feeling offended - the world will collapse if that happens. We must shield you behind a wall of political correctness to protect your delicate sensibilities.
Thomas The Tank, Rusholme (16/07/2009 at 16:07)
And bravo again Fola Evans couldn't have put it better myself.
What amazes me also is where all of a sudden they find funds to just jaunt of for 6-8 weeks holiday? And not just to Nigeria? Plenty of other war torn dictatorship lands as well, lots manage to do it around where I live and come back to the UK safely?
Andy., Bury (16/07/2009 at 16:12)
Baron Greenback (16/07/2009 at 16:12)
Idiots. Make me ashamed to be British.
Thomas The Tank, Rusholme (16/07/2009 at 16:27)
And Andy? So you did not cut and paste the Amnesty International report into your comment then? I must be reading another story? And yes it did have statistics included. But I must be one of those idiots, that your friend the Baron is talking about? Now I could at this point start saying I am deeply offended, but I dare not do that now, for fear of upsetting Black Flag and so it goes on. Round and round and round, oh well at least the moderator should be getting a good laugh from this?
I will say it again just to miff the sensative ones. Stick to the rules and send anyone back that has no right to be here. There i do feel better for my little rant.
Black Flag (16/07/2009 at 16:38)
Don't worry about upsetting me. Even if you do, I'll get over it. Unlike you, I don't demand that people don't offend me. I don't feel the need to hide behind political correctness.