The children were 8 1/2 and 4 1/4 at the date of the alleged wrongful removal. They had lived in England until the parents separated. The parents had joint rights of custody.
In July 1991 the mother took the children to Nigeria, her State of origin. In April 1992 the mother returned to England with the children. On 9 October 1992 Watford County Court granted the parents a divorce.
In June 1993 the mother returned to Nigeria with the children. In August 1994 the mother and children returned to England. On 24 September the mother took the children to the United States.
The father applied for the return of the children.
