Olabode Shoniregun, a 27-year-old US citizen, traveled from Las Vegas to the UK in October 2024, claiming persecution as a black, Jewish, and Mormon individual. Despite his asylum application being rejected last summer, he has remained in the country and received thousands of pounds in benefits.
Shoniregun arrived on a US passport and initially stayed in migrant hotels. Following the refusal of his claim in June, the Home Office instructed him to leave the UK without the right to appeal. However, he was subsequently offered social housing and financial support by Islington Council, amounting to approximately £400 per month for accommodation, food, and living expenses.
Born at Whittington Hospital in Islington, Shoniregun maintains that his UK birthright justified his asylum claim and entitlement to benefits. He explained to The Telegraph that he sought “humanitarian protection from violent homosexuality” and feared returning to the US due to alleged sexual assault by law enforcement and ongoing threats.
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In his words, “I thought I would come to the United Kingdom because I was born here and I could start life, get some housing, get a job that pays me cash.” He also stated that the monthly allowance, which he has used for essentials including mobile phone service, was insufficient for his needs and that he deserves more support.
An Islington Council spokesperson clarified that the council does not provide financial support or social housing to individuals without an eligible immigration status, and they focus on advising and assisting the homeless through partner organizations.
Meanwhile, the Home Office confirmed that the airline deemed Shoniregun unfit to fly and that efforts are underway to remove him from the UK as soon as possible. They highlighted a 23% increase in removals under the current government, with nearly 50,000 people removed recently who had no right to remain.