The Federal Government has called for a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of a Nigerian TikTok content moderator, Ladi Olubunmi, in Kenya.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday, urged Kenyan authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s death, which has sparked concerns over the treatment of Nigerians working abroad.
Olubunmi, an employee of the social media contracting firm Teleperformance, was found dead in her Nairobi apartment last week.
Her decomposed body was discovered three days after colleagues noticed her absence from work.
According to a report by the Associated Press, some of her colleagues accused Teleperformance of preventing her from travelling to Nigeria, despite her multiple requests.
In a statement by NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for stronger labour laws to protect Nigerians working overseas.
She stated, ‘Proper labour mobility laws in Nigeria would safeguard the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems’.
The NiDCOM chairman also extended condolences to Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues, while stressing the need for mental health support and oversight mechanisms for Nigerians working internationally.
She added, ‘We urge a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities to uncover the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s untimely passing’.
NiDCOM has been in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to assist Olubunmi’s family and ensure that the investigation is pursued diligently.
Dabiri-Erewa also advised Nigerians working abroad to engage only with reputable employers and remain informed about their rights and available support structures.
This tragic incident follows a series of unexplained deaths involving Nigerians in Kenya.
In July 2021, two Nigerians died under suspicious circumstances at a house party in Nairobi, raising concerns over the safety of Nigerian expatriates in the country.
