The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has announced plans to investigate the prolonged detention of a Nigerian citizen, Abdul Olatunji, in South Africa since 2019 without trial.
Olatunji’s family claims he has been subjected to false and malicious accusations allegedly orchestrated by South African authorities. They have called on the Nigerian government to intervene and secure his release.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at NIDCOM, assured the public in a statement on Tuesday that the matter is receiving serious attention.
“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been alerted to this case and wishes to respond as follows:
“Since this issue came to our attention, we have engaged the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa. The High Commissioner has reached out to the South African government, demanding clarification on the matter, considering the gravity of the allegations.
“It is worth noting that this case was not previously reported to NIDCOM or the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa. Nevertheless, we are now working closely with the Nigerian Mission to ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted with fairness and justice,” the statement read.
Elizabeth Johnson, President of the Nigerian Women’s Association in South Africa, informed NIDCOM that her group has contacted Olatunji following media reports about his case. Plans are also underway to arrange a prison visit. Meanwhile, NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa has spoken directly to Olatunji’s brother over the phone.
The commission reiterated that the detained Nigerian has been held for five years without trial, raising serious concerns about potential violations of his rights.
Olatunji’s family has repeatedly called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government of Nigeria, alleging that his detention stems from baseless charges concocted by South African officials.
NIDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the matter is investigated thoroughly, with justice served.
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