Chef sent back to Algeria fears for his life

An inquiry was launched at the Immigration department into how a chef came to be deported to Algeria, where he believes his life is in danger.

An inquiry was launched at the Immigration department into how a chef came to be deported to Algeria, where he believes his life is in danger.

Nadir Aitkhalifa, who worked at Conran restaurants, was yesterday put on a plane to Algiers, despite the fact that other Home Office officials had confirmed in writing yesterday that the deportation should be delayed following a legal challenge.

Mr Aitkhalifa's lawyer, Nonyelu Chuks-Okoye, said: "I have never known anything like this happen before. This is very serious. My client's safety is in jeopardy." Mr Aitkhalifa, a former policeman, fled Algeria after attacks on the homes of members of the security forces by militias. In 1993 he claimed asylum, saying his home had been staked out by armed rebels.

Last night Amnesty International said: "It is entirely reasonable to make such a claim ... Hundreds of members of the Algerian security forces were killed in 1999 by armed opposition groups in ambushes and surprise attacks."

Mr Aitkhalifa's girlfriend,Nicolle Sellars, said she was deeply worried for his safety. She said he was arrested when attending a London police station to sign on, a requirement for asylum-seekers.

The Home Office said an investigation had been launched because the deportation had gone ahead in spite of case workers being under the impression the expulsion had been delayed.

Mr Chuks-Okoye, who had intended to seek judicial review of the case, said he received a Home Office fax yesterday afternoon saying removal had been delayed to 29 September.

Amnesty said more than 100,000 people had been killed in Algeria since 1992, when conflict broke out between the security forces and a number of militias, including the Armed Islamic Group, the Islamic Salvation Army and the Islamic Salvation Front.