A Nigerian woman living in the United Kingdom has appealed to the Nigerian government and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) for intervention after Durham social services took her children away and police arrested her husband.
The woman, identified as Oluwatosin, shared her ordeal in an interview with Reporters. The incident began on December 3, 2024, when her daughter made allegations about her father to her school.
“On December 3, my daughter, whom I’ve always been concerned about, made a disclosure to her school about my husband,” Oluwatosin recounted. “My husband was arrested the same day. However, on December 8, my daughter retracted her statement.”
Despite the retraction, social services stepped in, and the situation escalated.
“On December 12, I was given a letter to attend court at 1 pm, with the hearing set for 2 pm. The court ordered the immediate removal of my children from my care,” she said.
Oluwatosin described the decision as devastating. She was allowed supervised visits with her children but faced further complications when a social worker accused her of intimidating her daughter during one of the sessions.
“The student social worker claimed I whispered to my daughter and intimidated her. As a result, I was arrested on January 6, 2025, and was told I cannot see my children for now,” she lamented.
Adding to her frustration, the police confiscated her electronic devices, leaving her isolated and unable to communicate effectively.
“The police have taken my phones and laptop. I’m fighting this alone—I can’t contact my children, and I can’t communicate with my husband, who is on bail,” she said.
### Appeal for Nigerian Government’s Intervention
In her plea, Oluwatosin called on Nigerian authorities and NIDCOM to intervene.
“Please come to my rescue,” she said. “I have no contact at the Nigerian High Commission or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist me.”
She also expressed concerns about how the school handled her earlier complaints about her daughter’s behavior and well-being.
“I raised documented concerns with the school about her exposure and behavior. Even the school questioned whether it was the right environment for her,” Oluwatosin revealed.
Oluwatosin believes many Nigerians in the UK face similar challenges and called for fair treatment.
“I know many Nigerians are in this situation. Investigations are fine, but the way this is being handled is unfair,” she said.
Her case has sparked conversations among Nigerians in the UK and beyond, with many sympathizing with her plight and urging authorities to act.
