The federal government has demanded a full investigation into the detention of six Nigerian traders in Cote d’Ivoire and the death of one of them, Usama Murtala, shortly after his release.
The government is also seeking compensation for the family of the deceased and the return of phones, money and other belongings allegedly seized from the traders during their arrest.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, disclosed the demand in an update posted on X after meeting with the Ambassador of Cote dIvoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore.
She said the meeting was convened to seek explanations over the arrest, detention and death of the Nigerian trader.
According to the minister, the six traders were detained without charge or trial and were released only after diplomatic intervention by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Cote dIvoire.
Odumegwu Ojukwu said Nigeria also asked why the Nigerian Embassy was not informed of the arrest and detention early enough, adding that timely consular intervention might have helped prevent the death of Murtala.
She said the traders, who travelled to Cote dIvoire for business, struggled to communicate because of language barriers and were allegedly denied access to legal representation while in custody.
The minister said Nigeria had formally requested a transparent investigation and compensation for the family of the deceased, who reportedly died after regaining his freedom as a result of harsh detention conditions and inadequate medical care.
She added that the federal government was seeking the immediate return of all personal items seized from the traders and not returned after their release.
Nigeria also requested firm assurances that future arrests or detentions of Nigerian citizens in Cote dIvoire would be promptly communicated to the Nigerian Embassy to enable timely consular support.
Ambassador Traore expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and apologized to the federal government, describing the incident as regrettable.
He pledged to communicate Nigeria concerns and demands to the authorities in Abidjan as soon as possible.
Odumegwu Ojukwu said the Nigerian government would continue to pursue justice for the affected families and would not allow the matter to go unresolved.
