Olayiwola Matthew
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to the case of a Nigerian, Abdul Olatunji, who was said to have been detained in South Africa for five years without trial.
Reacting to the incident in a statement entitled; “Re: Family Of Nigerian Man, Abdul Olatunji Jailed In South Africa Seeks FG Intervention,” the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission’s (NIDCOM) said that since the matter was brought to their attention, they have contacted the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa who they said has reached out to the South African government to provide an explanation on the matter given the severity of the case.
The statement was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun (mnipr), Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, Abuja.
“It should be noted that this case was never brought to the attention of NiDCOM nor the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa who are currently working on a few cases involving Nigerians in South Africa. However, we will work with the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out, with justice and fairness.
“The President of one of the Nigerian Diaspora Organisations in South Africa, the Nigerian Women’s Association South Africa, Elizabeth Johnson, informed NiDCOM that they have reached out to Abdul, after some media reports, while making arrangements for a prison visitation soon. NiDCOM Chairman has also spoken to Abdul’s brother via a telephone call.
“The Nigerian, Abdul Olatunji, has allegedly been detained since 2019, without fair trial,” the statement read
Balogun added that the family had alleged that Olatunji is a victim of false and malicious charges, orchestrated by South African officials and called for the intervention of the Federal Government.
“NIDCOM assures that the matter will be thoroughly looked into by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said.