Nigerian govt summons Ivorien Ambassador over death of Usama in Abidjan prison

The Nigerian Government through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Ojukwu on Friday summoned the Ivorien Ambassador to Nigeria Kalilou Traore, following the unfortunate death of one Usama Murtala, after prolonged detention in the country’s prison.

DAILY POST reports that Usama and five other young Nigerians identified as Aliyu Malami, Shamsu Abubakar, Nasiru Umar, Liman Mohammed and Sa’adu Bello had gone on a trading trip from Sokoto State Nigeria to Abidjan by road, August 2025.

Upon their arrival, they were arrested and detained in MACA Prison, Abidjan, without trial, an unfortunate circumstance that led to the death of Usama.

The four others were, however, released recently following sustained engagements by the Nigerian Mission, and diplomatic interventions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting with the Ivorien Ambassador, Ojukwu called for due compensation to the family of the deceased.

She also informed the envoy that the rescue detainees have reunited with their families, lamenting that the memory of the dead colleague may linger.

She also stated that two of the victims were critically ill due to malnutrition as they were fed once a day.