Nigerian Actress Fears for Safety After Anti-SARS Activism
A prominent Nigerian actress and model has taken the extraordinary step of seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, claiming that her participation in the historic End SARS movement has made her a target back home. The woman, identified only as OO in court documents, argues that her celebrity status in Nigeria's entertainment industry amplifies the risk she faces due to her political activism.
Legal Battle Over Protection Claim
The actress filed her protection and human rights claim in November 2021, but the Home Office refused her application in November 2023. Her case centers on her coordination and attendance at an October 2020 demonstration supporting the End SARS movement, which sought to disband the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad. She maintains that returning to Nigeria would expose her to significant danger because of this involvement.
According to court documents, the essence of her protection claim was that she has a well-founded fear of harm upon returning to Nigeria specifically because she helped organize and participated in the demonstration. The judgment noted that her risk profile is heightened by her dual identity as both a well-known model and actress and the daughter of a local politician.
Court Identifies Legal Error in Initial Ruling
Despite initial setbacks, including the Home Office's rejection due to false salary information on her visa application, the actress has secured a significant legal victory. Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge David Kelly ruled that the initial judge may have failed to properly analyze all evidence as a complete picture.
Judge Kelly used a compelling analogy in his ruling, stating: 'Just as one cannot make a cake with only one ingredient, so also frequently one cannot make a case otherwise than by a combination of a number of pieces of evidence.' This fundamental error in legal approach means the case must be reheard entirely.
The court identified several critical issues with the original decision, including:
- Failure to properly assess how her celebrity status might increase risk
- Insufficient analysis of whether she would continue political activism upon return
- Lack of consideration between her account and external evidence about End SARS protests
The case has now been sent back to the First-Tier Tribunal for a complete rehearing before a different judge. This development offers the actress another opportunity to present her case for protection in the UK, though the final outcome remains uncertain.
The End SARS movement gained international attention in 2020 when nationwide protests erupted against police brutality, particularly targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The demonstrations culminated in the tragic shooting of protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, an event that continues to resonate throughout Nigerian society and diaspora communities.
