Write to Theresa May, Home Secretary

You may copy and paste the following letter as a template to email Theresa May. Be sure to include your full postal address and email address. Please CC the message and any response from the Home Office to web@campaignforluqman.org.uk.

To: “Theresa May” <privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
CC: web@campaignforluqman.org.uk

Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office,
2 Marsham St
London
SW1P 4DF

Dear Ms May

RE: Luqman Onikosi, Home office reference O1103504

I am writing to you to express my concern about Mr Luqman Onikosi, a Nigerian national, whose application to extend his stay in the UK, based on medical grounds, was refused on the 6th October 2011.

I have read about Luqman’s case, and I am dismayed that the UK Border Agency has refused his extension to stay. Luqman has chronic Hepatitis B liver condition and is currently receiving life saving medical treatment in the UK.

Luqman came to the UK in 2007, on a student visa. Despite his failing health Luqman he successfully completed a BA in Economics and International Relations at the University of Sussex.

Luqman is required to attend appointments every 6 months to monitor the development of the liver infection. During these appointments blood is taken to check his viral load. He also has a liver biopsy, muscle reflex test, Hep B load test, fibrosis score test, ALT score test, E antigen test and a liver function test.

The infection has had a significant impact on Luqman’s liver, and his condition has now reached the last stage before cirrhosis, a very severe condition which can lead to cancer of the liver.

It is well known that there is no commonly available, effective, medical treatment for chronic Hepatitis B in Nigeria. Luqman’s doctor, in a letter to the Home Office, has stated that ‘the level of treatment in Nigeria is mainly for the diagnosis of Hepatitis B but there is no definite treatment available for the level of his condition in Nigeria at present’ .

Two of Luqman’s brothers have contracted chronic Hepititis B, and both have died in Nigeria as a result. I feel that it would be barbaric to send a third member of the family to his death.

If Luqman is forced to return to Nigeria he will not receive the treatment he needs, and death is a reality. Due to these exceptional circumstances I would urge you to use your powers to stop this removal- please do not allow this injustice to take place in your name.

Yours sincerely,

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