The Federal Government has called for a full investigation into the detention of six Nigerian traders in Côte d’Ivoire and the death of one of them, Usama Murtala, while also demanding compensation for his family and the return of seized property.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in an update on her official X handle, stating that she met with the Ivorian Ambassador to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, over the incident.
She said the Nigerian traders were detained without charge or trial and were only released after diplomatic intervention by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to her, the government questioned why the Nigerian Embassy was not informed of the arrests earlier, saying the delay may have affected timely diplomatic intervention that could have saved the deceased.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the victims, who travelled for trading activities, faced language barriers and were denied access to legal representation while in detention.
She added that Nigeria is demanding a transparent investigation, compensation for the deceased trader’s family, and the return of phones, money, and other personal belongings allegedly confiscated during the arrest.
The minister also called for assurances that Nigerian citizens in Côte d’Ivoire would receive prompt consular notification in future cases and be treated with dignity under international standards.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue to pursue justice for the affected families until the matter is fully resolved.
In response, Ambassador Traore expressed condolences to the bereaved family and apologised to the Federal Government, describing the incident as regrettable and promising to relay Nigeria’s concerns to authorities in Abidjan.
