Ottawa family facing deportation to Nigeria asks government to intervene
An Ottawa family is begging the Canadian government to intervene as they face deportation to Nigeria in less than a week.
Aisha Kolo and her two daughters settled in the national capital two years ago after fleeing from the African country a few years prior.
"I ran to the USA and came into Canada," said Kolo. "Because of my children, for me to be safe and for my children to be safe."
Kolo says they fled from Nigeria over safety fears that were linked to her husband’s job,
"I’ve been in the house mourning because the worst thing that will ever happen to me is for them to send me back to Nigeria because this is where I’m running from," she said.
The 50-year-old applied for refugee status for her and her two daughters.
Immigration documents supplied to CTV News show the refugee claim stated a number of reasons, including a fear for safety in Nigeria.
The documents show their refugee status was rejected twice, including through an appeal process.
Chantal Desloges is not involved in the case, but weighed in as a senior lawyer.
"The board member believed them in terms of the risks that they feared in Nigeria. However, the board found against them in that they felt they could probably relocate internally within Nigeria and seek safety in a different city," said Desloges, a senior partner for Desloges Law Group.
While waiting for what’s next, Kolo said she had to stop working as a personal support worker. She says her daughters also stopped their studies at university.
"I have peace of mind here in Canada, but imagine what it’s going to be like in Nigeria for me," said Niman Kolo, Aisha’s daughter.
Both of Kolo’s daughters were accepted to Carleton University, one with a scholarship for aerospace engineering.
"When I got accepted into Carleton it was pretty much a dream come true," said Niman Kolo, Aisha’s daughter. "It was a dream come true because in Nigeria there is no opportunity to study engineering, especially aerospace engineering."
Kinkin Kolo, Aisha’s daughter, said it has been a dream to get a higher education in Canada.
Border Services documents provided to CTV News shows their removal from Canada is scheduled for Oct. 13.
"They say no we have to leave, so I’m just begging the government of Canada to do something," said Kolo.
She has also filed a humanitarian and compassionate application in the meantime, but experts say while waiting for a decision; it’s still illegal to remain in Canada.
CTV News also reached out to Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, but did not hear back before publication.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole
Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.