Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the situation of the children from the Du Merci orphanages in the context of the acquittal of Professor Tarfa, the founder of the Du Merci orphanages in Nigeria's Kano and Kaduna states, following charges of abducting and confining children in unregistered and illegal orphanages.

The UK Government has emphasised to the Nigerian authorities the importance of a fair and transparent legal process for Professor Tarfa, in accordance with Nigerian law and international human rights standards. We understand that Professor Tarfa is still facing an additional charge and we will continue to monitor the case closely.

The welfare of the children relocated from the Du Merci orphanage remains paramount. The UK Government will continue to engage with the Nigerian authorities to reiterate the need to ensure the children's safety and wellbeing, in the most appropriate care setting for their needs.