NIDCOM launches probe into detention of Nigerian man in South Africa since 2019 without trial

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has launched an investigation into the detention of a Nigerian citizen, Abdul Olatunji, in South Africa since 2019 without trial.

The Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols for NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the Nigerian government is determined to get to the root of the matter with a commitment to uncovering the facts surrounding the case.

Olatunji’s family, in a petition to the Commission, had accused South African authorities of orchestrating false and malicious charges that led to his prolonged detention without charging him to court and called for the intervention of the Nigerian government.

In the Commission’s statement, Balogun said the acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has been mandated to ask the South African government to provide an explanation on the prolonged detention of Olatunji.

“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission’s (NIDCOM) attention has been called to the above issue and will like to react as follows:

“Since the matter was brought to the attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), we have contacted the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa who has reached out to the South Africa government to provide an explanation on the matter given the severity of the case.

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“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 family had alleged that Olatunji is the 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,” the statement added.

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