Manchester City Council v AO & Ors

Manchester City Council v AO & Ors

L was unlawfully removed from Nigeria using false documents, and her arrival breached both UK and Nigerian law. The respondents caused harm and uncertainty, are unsuitable carers, and L's welfare requires continuation of care and placement orders. The application for an Independent Social Worker is refused.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Applicant: Manchester City Council; First Respondent: AO; Second Respondent: Raphael Ossai; Third Respondent: The Child (via her Children's Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Placement Order Application / Final Judgment and Orders
Outcome
Care order and placement order granted; application for Independent Social Worker refused.
Legal Topics
Care Order, Placement Order, Child Welfare, Unlawful Removal of Child, False Documentation, Adoption Procedures, Deportation, Parental Responsibility
Family Law Child Protection Immigration Law Care Order Placement Order Child Welfare Unlawful Removal of Child False Documentation +3 more

Source-derived case record

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Parties

Manchester City Council

Applicant

AO

First Respondent

Raphael Ossai

Second Respondent

The Child (via her Children's Guardian)

Third Respondent

Procedural Posture

Care and Placement Order Application / Final Judgment and Orders

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether L was lawfully removed from Nigeria
  2. 2 Whether L's arrival in the UK breached UK and Nigerian law
  3. 3 Whether the adults obtained false documents to facilitate entry

Ratio Decidendi

L was unlawfully removed from Nigeria using false documents, and her arrival breached both UK and Nigerian law. The respondents caused harm and uncertainty, are unsuitable carers, and L's welfare requires continuation of care and placement orders. The application for an Independent Social Worker is refused.

Court Disposition

Care order and placement order granted; application for Independent Social Worker refused.

Orders

  • Care order made for the child L.
  • Placement order made dispensing with parental consent.