The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called on Kenyan authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Olubunmi, who was found dead in her apartment in Nairobi last week.
Olubunmi, who worked for Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya, was discovered deceased three days after her unexplained absence from work.
Reports indicate that her body was found decomposing at the time of discovery.
According to an Associated Press report on Wednesday, some of Olubunmi’s colleagues accused her employer of blocking her attempts to return to Nigeria, despite her repeated requests to travel.
In a statement issued Thursday by Gabriel Odu from NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for stronger labor protections for Nigerians working abroad.
She noted that “proper mobility of labor law in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems.”
Dabiri-Erewa further explained that the establishment of such laws would help prevent situations where Nigerian workers face poor employment conditions, lack of mental health support, and restrictions on their ability to return home when necessary.
“The Chairman, NiDCOM, extends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues,” the statement read.
“She urges a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s untimely passing,” the statement continued.
The NiDCOM Chairman also assured the public that the commission is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to monitor the investigation and provide necessary support to Olubunmi’s family during this difficult time.
She appealed for calm among Nigerians in Kenya while the investigation is ongoing and urged job seekers to engage only with reputable employers, stay informed about their rights, and take advantage of available support systems.
This is not the first time a Nigerian has died under suspicious circumstances in Kenya.
In July 2021, two Nigerians lost their lives under unexplained circumstances at a house party.
One reportedly fell from the seventh floor of Skyhorse Apartment in Kilimani, while the other allegedly collapsed in the kitchen and was later pronounced dead.
