Students at the
University of Sussex have occupied a campus building to oppose the deportation
of Luqman Onikosi, who suffers from a life-threatening illness.
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RT
report continues:
Onikosi,
who was studying an MA in global political economy, is facing deportation to
Nigeria. He says the Home Office’s decision to send him back will cost him his
life.
After
moving to the UK to study in 2007, Onikosi was diagnosed with a chronic liver
condition. He believes he will die if returned to Nigeria, where medical
facilities are more limited.
“I
was subsequently diagnosed with a chronic liver condition brought on by
Hepatitis B. In Nigeria, there is not the medical infrastructure required to
keep me alive. My battle to stay in the UK on medical grounds, in other words,
is a fight to stay alive,” Onikosi told the Independent.
While
in the UK, Onikosi lost both his brothers to the same illness and worries the
same fate awaits him if he is forced to return to Nigeria.
“In
2011, and then 2012, my two brothers in Nigeria died of complications brought
on by the same illness. The same fate now awaits me, unless the Home Office
reverses its decision to refuse me leave to remain in the UK,” said Onikosi.
Students
are angry at their university’s decision to revoke Onikosi’s student status,
but the institution says it had no say in the matter.
“We
are, and have always been, very sorry to know of Mr Onikosi’s illness. The
status of Mr Onikosi’s visa is a directive from the Home Office and the
university is not able to influence that decision in any way,” said a
university spokesmen.
Campaigners
seized the balcony of a university building to oppose the deportation, unfurling
banners of support while chanting: “Luqman is here to stay, let’s deport
Theresa May.”
“There
isn’t really any medical doubt he would die through total organ failure without
proper treatment. We just can’t believe the Home Office are doing this to him.
We are outraged,” said a spokesperson for the student campaign.
A
video of the moment the group stormed Bramber House was posted on twitter.
Onikosi
feels the UK government has used him as a “cash cow” for his student fees and
are showing little compassion after two appeals were rejected.
“If
even my rights as a ‘cash cow’ are denied, what a dire situation it is.”
A Home Office spokesperson
said: “The individual’s application was fully considered and has been through
the appeal process. An independent immigration judge found that he has no right
to remain in the UK.”
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