A 63-year-old Nigerian man with disabilities, who has resided in the United Kingdom for nearly four decades, has successfully appealed against a deportation order issued by the Home Office.
Anthony Olubunmi George arrived in the UK in 1986 at the age of 24 and has remained in the country ever since without any criminal record. In 2019, he suffered two strokes that severely affected his speech and mobility, according to a report by The Guardian UK on September 22, 2025.
Throughout his life in the UK, George has faced homelessness multiple times and has relied on the generosity of numerous friends for shelter. He also revealed that he no longer has any immediate family members in Nigeria.
“I’ve lost track of how many different couches I’ve slept on,” he shared.
Despite submitting several applications to remain in the UK, all were denied by the Home Office.
Following the recent court ruling, George expressed immense relief and joy at no longer living under the threat of deportation.
“I’m overwhelmed with happiness and at a loss for words,” he said. “It feels like my life is starting anew. Previously, I had no hope, but now, by God’s grace, I can look forward to the future.”
Complicating his case was the discovery that his former legal representatives had submitted a falsified entry stamp in his passport back in 2005. These solicitors have since been reported to both the police and legal oversight authorities.
George was unaware of the forged passport stamp until many years later. His current attorney, Naga Kandiah from MTC Solicitors, highlighted that poor legal counsel was a significant factor in the prolonged difficulties George faced in regularizing his immigration status.
In a previous rejection of George’s case, the Home Office stated, “Your family and friends are free to visit you in Nigeria.”
The immigration tribunal judge who ruled in George’s favor noted that the solicitor responsible for the fraudulent document had been disbarred. The judge also mentioned that George had avoided visiting his general practitioner due to fears surrounding his immigration situation.
“It is regrettable that the appellant suffered two cardiovascular incidents after refraining from medical check-ups,” the judge remarked, adding that George had experienced destitution while living in the UK.
Kandiah commented, “My client has lived in uncertainty for almost 40 years, endured two strokes, and has no remaining family in Nigeria. His predicament stems not only from Home Office policies but also from the unethical conduct of previous legal representatives who failed to maintain professional standards.”
“Despite multiple requests for the Home Office to reconsider the case without proceeding to a full hearing, these appeals were repeatedly denied, leading to a comprehensive court hearing,” she added.
“I am thrilled with the outcome. He has waited nearly four decades for this decision.”
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