IPOB ASYLUM: UK retracts policy after FG protest

Following the confrontation by Nigeria over the UK asylum policy favoring IPOB, the British government has backed down on his policy decision—until further notice.

The Home Office has pulled the notice on its website, stating the policy is being reviewed and uploaded once it is ready.

“Out note on Biafra separatists has been taken down for review; an update is expected shortly,” the statement reads.

Analysts believe the update, not dated yet, might be the end of the policy. What the review might take or add to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy granting asylum to members of Biafran secessionist groups is not certain yet.

The decision earlier considered those “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution”.

“The decision-makers “must also consider if the [Nigerian] government’s actions are acts of prosecution, not persecution. Those fleeing prosecution or punishment for a criminal offence are not normally refugees. However, the prosecution may amount to persecution if it involves victimisation in its application by the authorities”.

The Nigerian government considered the UK decision as sympathising with those fuelling insecurity in the country.

IPOB ad other secessionist group in the southeast have rejected the British governmnt offer, saying they prefer a referendum and recognition of the Biafra sovereignty to asylum.