The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has responded to a recent letter by Amnesty International calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the case of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent over two decades on death row in Saudi Arabia. NIDCOM has claimed that Amnesty’s statement overlooked key facts regarding the case.

In an open letter released on Monday, Amnesty International described Olufemi’s prolonged detention as an “unconscionable injustice” and urged the Nigerian government to press Saudi authorities for a resolution.

“Suleimon Olufemi has been on death row for more than two decades. This prolonged ordeal must end,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Country Director. “The Nigerian government must act decisively to clarify his legal status, secure him legal representation, and ensure his death sentence is quashed.”

However, in a press statement on Tuesday, NIDCOM provided its own account of the situation, disputing Amnesty’s portrayal of the case and seeking to “set the record straight.”

Background of Olufemi’s Case

According to NIDCOM, Olufemi traveled to Saudi Arabia more than 20 years ago for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), and later went to Jeddah to visit a friend. During his visit, an incident occurred in which a Saudi police officer was killed. Olufemi was among those found nearby and was arrested and charged with the murder.

“Unfortunately for him, while others were sentenced to prison, he received a death sentence,” NIDCOM stated, adding that Olufemi has always maintained his innocence, asserting that his conviction was based on circumstances rather than irrefutable evidence.

Under Saudi Arabia’s legal system, the family of a murder victim has the option to either insist on capital punishment or grant a pardon in exchange for blood money (diyya). In this case, once the victim’s child reached adulthood, the family opted for the latter, demanding $570,000 as compensation.

NIDCOM’s Role and Fundraising Efforts

NIDCOM explained that after the victim’s family chose to accept blood money, the Nigerian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and NIDCOM officials, engaged in diplomatic efforts to raise the required funds.

However, NIDCOM criticized Amnesty International for not supporting the fundraising campaign at a critical time, despite previously expressing interest in assisting with the case. “Amnesty International was nowhere to be found when we approached them to help raise the funds,” the commission said.

Instead, the funds were raised through a coordinated effort involving NIDCOM, the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, and private citizens. A GoFundMe campaign led by the Yaro brothers helped raise a substantial portion of the money, with notable contributions from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu, who together donated approximately $150,000.

NIDCOM confirmed that the full $570,000 was successfully raised and deposited into a designated account, and now Nigerian authorities are waiting for final action from Saudi officials.

Diplomatic Efforts and Optimism for Release

NIDCOM assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia have been actively engaging Saudi authorities to ensure Olufemi’s release. The commission expressed optimism that Olufemi will soon be freed, emphasizing that he has spent over 20 years in prison for an alleged crime that has not been conclusively proven.

“Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia have been engaging with Saudi authorities about when Suleimon Olufemi will be released,” NIDCOM said, adding that the Foreign Affairs Minister had briefed President Tinubu on the matter.

NIDCOM’s Criticism of Amnesty International

While acknowledging Amnesty International’s role in advocacy, NIDCOM urged the organization to remain “factual” in its interventions, rather than focusing on self-serving claims. NIDCOM also revealed that its chairperson met with Olufemi’s elderly parents in December 2020 to provide them with updates and support.

The commission also appealed to Saudi authorities for Olufemi’s release, stressing the principles of fairness, justice, and the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.