Nigeria Demands Probe into Citizen’s Death in Ivorian Prison

The Federal Government has summoned the Ivorian Ambassador to Nigeria over the death of a Nigerian trader, Usama Murtala, in custody at the Maison d’Arrêt et de Correction d’Abidjan (MACA) Prison, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and compensation for his family.

The meeting was held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, where Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with Kalilou Traore to convey Nigeria’s concerns over the treatment of its citizens in Côte d’Ivoire.

According to the Federal Government, Murtala and five other Nigerians travelled from Sokoto to Abidjan by road in August 2025 for a business trip involving the sale of phone parts.

The ministry said the six men were arrested shortly after arriving in Côte d’Ivoire and detained at the Maison d’Arrêt et de Correction d’Abidjan Prison without being formally charged or put on trial.

It added that Nigerian authorities were not informed of their arrest until April 2026, delaying diplomatic intervention on their behalf.

Following sustained engagements by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the five surviving Nigerians were released and returned to Abuja on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Murtala, however, became ill shortly after regaining his freedom and died on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at a critical care hospital in Abidjan.

He was buried the following day in Côte d’Ivoire in accordance with Islamic rites after consultations with his family in Sokoto.

Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the circumstances surrounding the detention of the Nigerians as disturbing.

“These young men were simply detained and taken to prison,” she said.

The minister also criticised the failure of the Ivorian authorities to notify the Nigerian Embassy after the arrests.

“Anytime there are issues involving our nationals, the Embassy in Abidjan should be informed.”

“We are aware of what language barriers could cause,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

She called for a comprehensive investigation into Murtala’s death and urged the Ivorian government to ensure accountability.

“We want you to communicate this to the authorities in Abidjan.”

“This should be properly investigated; it should be probed,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also demanded compensation for the deceased’s family and assurances that Nigerians living or travelling in Côte d’Ivoire would be treated with dignity.

“So, we seek compensation for the dead young man’s family and a commitment that Côte d’Ivoire will, going forward, treat our nationals with dignity,” she said.

The ministry further disclosed that the released Nigerians alleged that their money, phones, goods and other personal belongings were not returned after they regained their freedom.

The Federal Government said it would continue diplomatic engagement with the Ivorian authorities to secure justice for Murtala, ensure a transparent investigation into his death and strengthen the protection of Nigerian citizens living and conducting legitimate business abroad.