Abiola Famakinwa, mother of three children, 14, 12 and 6, is a Biomedical Scientist who was sadly widowed when her husband, a renowned journalist in Nigeria – Samuel Oluwasanmi Famakinwa was murdered in the Northern Part of Nigeria.
Although she was six months pregnant at the time she had to leave the country with her children in fear of her own and her children’s lives.
Abiola Famakinwa, mother of three, is a Biomedical Scientist from Nigeria. Her husband, Samuel Famakinwa, was a well known journalist who died after being invited to Borno State by its controversial former governor who is said to have links to Boko Haram. Before this, the family had been subjected to a series of threats from anonymous quarters. A number of other journalists in Nigeria have been killed or died in mysterious circumstances. Two years ago, the newspaper Abiola's husband worked for was bombed by Boko Haram.
When Abiola's husband disappeared, she told the authorities that he had travelled to Borno State to meet the former governor and she demanded a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Samuel's death. This did not happen and Abiola fled to the UK to safeguard the lives of herself and her children . Meanwhile, Samuel Famakinwa’s death has gone unanswered for and journalists and their families continue to face persecution in Nigeria.
The Home Office has denied the Famakinwa family asylum and plans to return them to Nigeria, which would undoubtedly expose them to danger yet again.
Samuel's death, as well as the threat of deportation, has had a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of Abiola and her children. They must be given leave to remain in the UK where they have the support of their friends and community and will not face persecution for their pursuit of justice for Samuel.
Thank you for your support.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
June 29, 2015
August 26, 2014
One hundred people have now added their names to this fight for the Famakinwa family. I am exhausted by the silence we have faced so far but seeing this number grow gives me enough strength to keep pushing forward.
Reached 100 supporters
August 25, 2014
110 Comments
This family cannot be sent back to Nigeria to face retribution from Boko Haram. The reality of the threats posed by this organisation are well documented. If the UK can still claim itself to be a 'civilised' and compassionate country it must grant asylum now.
This family have a significant contribution to make. They have been incredibly resilient in very challenging circumstances. Abiola has skills which could be well used in the UK. I would be very concerned for the family's survival should they be sent back and am concerned that they need our support here now.
Sam and his wife Abiola were members of our Church in Lagos where I served as the Lead Evangelist. She is a devout Christian and is not lying about the dangers you faces back home. Please grant her asylum request.
and on top of that the UK is supposed to need quality scientists. quote apart from the appalling human cost of such a deportation, there seems no economic sense (that seems all that the govt sees these days) in sending a family with huge potential here back to danger.
Abiola Famakinwa and her children should be allowed to stay in the UK for the kids stability. They have lived in this country for such a long time and integrated well into the society. They are such a nice family with sound morals. Abiola is a professional, whose skills will benefit the country.
Abiola and her three children needs to be allowed to stay in the uk for now please.
I/we want, you, Abiola and all your children to stay here in the UK. I will do my up most to support you and share your campaign.
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Abiola Famakinwa, mother of three children, 14, 12 and 6, is a Biomedical Scientist who was sadly widowed when her husband, a renowned journalist in Nigeria – Samuel Oluwasanmi Famakinwa was murdered in the Northern Part of Nigeria.
Although she was six months pregnant at the time she had to leave the country with her children in fear of her own and her children’s lives.
Abiola Famakinwa, mother of three, is a Biomedical Scientist from Nigeria. Her husband, Samuel Famakinwa, was a well known journalist who died after being invited to Borno State by its controversial former governor who is said to have links to Boko Haram. Before this, the family had been subjected to a series of threats from anonymous quarters. A number of other journalists in Nigeria have been killed or died in mysterious circumstances. Two years ago, the newspaper Abiola's husband worked for was bombed by Boko Haram.
When Abiola's husband disappeared, she told the authorities that he had travelled to Borno State to meet the former governor and she demanded a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Samuel's death. This did not happen and Abiola fled to the UK to safeguard the lives of herself and her children . Meanwhile, Samuel Famakinwa’s death has gone unanswered for and journalists and their families continue to face persecution in Nigeria.
The Home Office has denied the Famakinwa family asylum and plans to return them to Nigeria, which would undoubtedly expose them to danger yet again.
Samuel's death, as well as the threat of deportation, has had a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of Abiola and her children. They must be given leave to remain in the UK where they have the support of their friends and community and will not face persecution for their pursuit of justice for Samuel.
Thank you for your support.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
June 29, 2015
August 26, 2014
One hundred people have now added their names to this fight for the Famakinwa family. I am exhausted by the silence we have faced so far but seeing this number grow gives me enough strength to keep pushing forward.
Reached 100 supporters
August 25, 2014
110 Comments
myself and Samuel famakinwa were classmates at the prestigious NIJ in ogba, class of 1996. he also was my campaign manager when I ran for students union presidency. his death was a great loss to all of us and especially his family.
This family cannot be sent back to Nigeria to face retribution from Boko Haram. The reality of the threats posed by this organisation are well documented. If the UK can still claim itself to be a 'civilised' and compassionate country it must grant asylum now.
This family have a significant contribution to make. They have been incredibly resilient in very challenging circumstances. Abiola has skills which could be well used in the UK. I would be very concerned for the family's survival should they be sent back and am concerned that they need our support here now.
Sam and his wife Abiola were members of our Church in Lagos where I served as the Lead Evangelist. She is a devout Christian and is not lying about the dangers you faces back home. Please grant her asylum request.
and on top of that the UK is supposed to need quality scientists. quote apart from the appalling human cost of such a deportation, there seems no economic sense (that seems all that the govt sees these days) in sending a family with huge potential here back to danger.
Abiola Famakinwa and her children should be allowed to stay in the UK for the kids stability. They have lived in this country for such a long time and integrated well into the society. They are such a nice family with sound morals. Abiola is a professional, whose skills will benefit the country.
Abiola and her three children needs to be allowed to stay in the uk for now please.
I/we want, you, Abiola and all your children to stay here in the UK. I will do my up most to support you and share your campaign.
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myself and Samuel famakinwa were classmates at the prestigious NIJ in ogba, class of 1996. he also was my campaign manager when I ran for students union presidency. his death was a great loss to all of us and especially his family.