NiDCOM Pushes Back Against Amnesty Letter, Details Efforts to Free Nigerian on Saudi Death Row

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has challenged claims made in a recent open letter by Amnesty International concerning Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has remained on death row in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years.

In a statement released in Abuja, NiDCOM said Amnesty’s appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu omitted key details of the case and overlooked years of diplomatic and financial efforts already undertaken by Nigerian authorities and private citizens.

NiDCOM explained that Olufemi travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and was later arrested in Jeddah after a police officer was killed during an incident in which he was present. While other suspects received jail terms, he was sentenced to death.

The commission noted that Saudi law allows the victim’s family to either insist on execution or grant pardon upon payment of blood money once the deceased’s child reaches legal age. After prolonged negotiations, the family demanded $570,000 as Diyya.

According to NiDCOM, the funds were raised through coordinated efforts involving the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, private donors, and contributions from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu, with payments completed under the previous administration.

With the Diyya fully settled, NiDCOM said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia are in ongoing talks with Saudi authorities to conclude the pardon process and secure Olufemi’s release.

The commission urged advocacy groups to present facts accurately and appealed to Saudi authorities to release Olufemi, citing humanitarian considerations and longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.