The Federal Government has pledged to formally engage the Ivorian authorities over the death of a Nigerian citizen, Usama Murtala, who died in an Abidjan hospital hours after regaining freedom following a year in detention without trial.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in a statement shared on her official X handle on Tuesday.
She explained that six young Nigerians, who travelled from Sokoto to Abidjan for the phone parts trade, were arrested under what she termed questionable circumstances and held at MACA Prison without facing charges or appearing before a court.
According to the minister, the Federal Government only learnt of their situation in April 2026 and was shocked to discover that the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan had not been informed of their arrest by the Ivorian authorities.
“Their unfortunate circumstances was brought to my attention in April this year and when I contacted our Embassy in Abidjan, I was dismayed to discover that they had not even been notified of their arrest by the authorities there,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the men endured harsh conditions in detention, adding that Murtala became critically ill during his incarceration.
“With sustained engagements by our Mission, and diplomatic interventions by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are happy to secure the release of these citizens,” she stated.
She noted, however, that Murtala’s condition had worsened significantly by the time he was freed, resulting in a tragic outcome.
“Our officers at the Nigeria High Commission made spirited efforts to save his life by rushing him to a Critical Care Hospital for treatment, but alas, it was too late for Usama. He died the next morning, far from home and family, oblivious to the fact that his mother and siblings in Sokoto were excitedly preparing for his return,” she said.
The minister revealed that Murtala was laid to rest in Abidjan according to Islamic rites at the request of his family, with his fellow ex-detainees and Nigerian embassy officials present.
She added that the five other Nigerians — Aliyu Malami, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Sa’adu Bello and Lyman Mohammed — were on their way back to Nigeria.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the incident as a stark reflection of the dangers many Nigerians encounter while seeking better opportunities outside the country.
“This is the reality many of our citizens face when they travel in search of greener pastures. Many are young people whose paths take unexpected and tragic turns,” she said.
She also assured that the Federal Government would pursue the matter with the Ivorian government.
“To the survivors of this harrowing ordeal — Aliyu Malami, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Sa’adu Bello and Lyman Mohammed — we will be there to receive you and celebrate your triumph over adversity. In advance, we say, ‘Welcome home,’” she added.
