Woman faults UK prison authorities over release of Nigerian partner

A French woman, Claire N’Djosse, has expressed deep distress and a sense of betrayal following the mistaken release of her Nigerian ex-partner, Ifedayo Adeyeye, from a UK prison. Adeyeye, 58, was released from HMP Pentonville in London on April 21, 2026, despite being accused of abducting their five-year-old son, Laurys N’Djosse Adeyeye.

N’Djosse stated she has not seen her son since his alleged abduction by his father in France in July 2024, believing Laurys was taken to Nigeria via the UK. She had sought the return of her child through the High Court in London, which subsequently sentenced Adeyeye to 18 months imprisonment for contempt of court. However, the court recently revealed that Adeyeye was mistakenly released, potentially traveling to Spain within the three days it took prison officials to notify the police.

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It’s my child who’s my hope. My life has stopped; I can’t do anything if I don’t have my child. My child is my reason to live.

Speaking about her ordeal, N’Djosse conveyed her profound sense of loss. "It’s my child who’s my hope. My life has stopped; I can’t do anything if I don’t have my child. My child is my reason to live," she said. The mistaken release has shattered the "glimmer of hope" she had felt during Adeyeye's imprisonment that her son might be returned. "Now that Adeyeye is gone again, I have lost all hope of seeing my child again. I am upset. I don’t know how I’m going to keep going," she added.

Police are actively searching for Adeyeye, and the Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the distress caused by the error. The incident highlights the complexities and emotional toll of international child abduction cases and the critical importance of secure custodial procedures.

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Now that Adeyeye is gone again, I have lost all hope of seeing my child again. I am upset. I don’t know how I’m going to keep going.