NiDCOM Facilitates Return of Actress Jumoke George’s Trafficked Daughter from Mali After Four-Year Ordeal

Adeola George, the 41-year-old daughter of veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George, has returned to Nigeria after four harrowing years in Mali, where she was reportedly trafficked. Her repatriation was facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Mali.

Adeola’s disappearance became public knowledge after her mother emotionally recounted the ordeal during a recent episode of the Talk to B show, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo. According to Jumoke George, Adeola had been living with her grandmother in Ibadan before informing the family in 2021 that she was travelling to Lagos. She vanished shortly after, and all attempts to locate her proved futile until her recent discovery in Mali.

NiDCOM confirmed that Adeola had expressed a desire to return home but lacked the proper travel documents. Following intervention from the Commission and diplomatic channels in Mali, arrangements were made for her safe return to Nigeria.

The emotional reunion took place on Monday, May 19, at the NiDCOM office in Lagos. Adeola was received by Hon. Dabiri-Erewa alongside Biola Adebayo and actor Adeniyi Johnson. Sharing the development on her official X (formerly Twitter) page, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa wrote:

“Breaking! Adeola, daughter of popular actress, Jumoke George, who cried out that she had not heard from her daughter in four years, is back home from Mali where she was trafficked to. Just received her with Biola Adebayo who broke the story, and Niyi Johnson.”

Jumoke George, visibly overwhelmed with emotion, thanked NiDCOM and those who played a role in her daughter's safe return. The veteran actress had earlier revealed that the disappearance of her daughter had deeply affected her physical and mental health, leading to multiple health complications and depression.

Adeola is currently undergoing medical and psychological evaluation as part of the post-trauma care process. Authorities have begun an investigation into the circumstances of her trafficking and time in Mali.

This case underscores the ongoing danger of human trafficking and the crucial role of inter-agency coordination in protecting Nigerian citizens abroad. NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian in distress is left unsupported.