The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, is set to probe the detention of a Nigerian businessman, Abdul Olatunji, in South Africa since 2019 without trial.
The family announced the detention of the businessman and humanitarian on Tuesday in a statement after a news conference.
According to the family, Olatunji is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents, xenophobic business rivals, and that he is facing imminent danger.
They therefore called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.
Reacting to the development, NiDCOM, in a statement on Tuesday, gave assurance that the matter would be thoroughly looked into by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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The statement, signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said: “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.
“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.”
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