A Nigerian man won UK asylum on the basis of sexuality after decades of failed claims, reigniting debate on identity-based protections.
A Nigerian man has secured the right to remain in Britain after decades of failed asylum bids, this time on the grounds of his sexuality. The 61-year-old, who first arrived in the UK in 1983, previously sought asylum under claims of political persecution, marriage, fatherhood, and the right to family life—none of which succeeded. His record includes overstayed visas, divorce, and a four-year jail term for violent disorder.
In a 2015 appeal, immigration judges accepted that deporting him to Nigeria would pose a “real risk of persecution,” given the country’s laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. The tribunal admitted his history suggested a “clear motivation” to fabricate claims, but ruled that past failures could not automatically discredit his sexuality argument.
The case comes amid government moves to restrict human rights law in asylum claims, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper noting that nearly a third succeed on “exceptional” grounds. It raises questions over whether sexual orientation is becoming the final lifeline for desperate asylum seekers.