Nigeria demands answers from Côte d’Ivoire after death of detained Nigerian in Abidjan
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Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded an explanation from Côte d’Ivoire over the death of Nigerian national Usama Murtala while in custody at MACA Prison, Abidjan, the ministry said Friday.
Foreign Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu according to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ivorian Ambassador to Nigeria Kalilou Traore to her office and pressed for clarification about the circumstances surrounding Murtala’s death.
The minister also asked that appropriate compensation be paid to the deceased’s family.
“The Federal Government has demanded an explanation from the Côte d’Ivoire authorities over the circumstances that led to the death of a Nigerian national, Usama Murtala, after incarceration in the country’s prison,” the ministry said in the statement.
Usama Murtala and five other young men from Sokoto — Aliyu Malami, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Sa’adu Bello, and Liman Mohammed travelled by road to Abidjan on a trading trip in August 2025.
They were arrested and detained at MACA Prison without charge or trial and remained in custody for nearly a year, the statement revealed.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu told Ambassador Traore that Nigeria expects a full account of events and reparatory measures for the family.
“We have asked for due compensation to the deceased’s family and an explanation of the circumstances that led to his death,” the ministry quoted the minister as saying.
The ministry did not provide details on the cause of death or whether Ivorian authorities have responded to Nigeria’s demand.
Nigerian officials said they will continue to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels.
