Nigeria demands probe, compensation over trader's death in Ivorian prison

Nigeria's Federal Government is demanding a thorough investigation and compensation for the family of Usama Murtala, a Nigerian trader who died shortly after his release from detention in Côte d'Ivoire. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced the government's stance following a meeting with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Kalilou Traore.

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We requested to know why the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire was not informed of their arrest and detention, which delayed the necessary diplomatic intervention that might have saved the life of the deceased.

Earlier, the Minister had raised concerns about Usama Murtala and five other young Nigerian men arrested and detained in Abidjan without charge or trial. Usama Murtala died days after his release from MACA prison due to an illness that went untreated during his detention. The remaining five Nigerians were later released following diplomatic interventions by Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Abidjan.

In an update on her X account, the Minister stated that she summoned Côte d’Ivoire’s envoy to demand an explanation for why the Nigerian Embassy was not notified of the arrests. She argued that an early intervention could have saved Usama's life. The traders were reportedly on a business trip, faced language barriers, and lacked access to legal representation in the French-speaking country.

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We called for a full-scale investigation and transparent probe by the Ivorian government into this matter. We are also demanding compensation for the family of Usama Murtala, who died shortly after his release due to the harsh prison conditions and inadequate healthcare whilst in custody.

"We called for a full-scale investigation and transparent probe by the Ivorian government into this matter," the Minister stated. "We are also demanding compensation for the family of Usama Murtala, who died shortly after his release due to the harsh prison conditions and inadequate healthcare whilst in custody." The Federal Government also requested the return of seized phones, money, and other property, and an assurance that Ivorian authorities would promptly notify the Nigerian Embassy of any future arrests of Nigerians. Ambassador Traore expressed "most profound apologies and condolences" and pledged to convey Nigeria’s concerns to Abidjan promptly.

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most profound apologies and condolences to the family of the deceased Nigerian and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for this unfortunate incident. indeed regrettable.