The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised $570,000 to help Suleiman Olufemi, a Nigerian on death row in Saudi Arabia since 2002. Olufemi was arrested and sentenced to death for allegedly murdering a police officer in Jeddah, despite maintaining his innocence.
The funds were raised through the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, with contributions from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Seyi Tinubu, among others. The blood money (Diyya) has been paid into a designated Saudi account, paving the way for Olufemi’s potential release.
NiDCOM, led by Chairman Abubakar Malami, has appealed to the Saudi government to grant Olufemi clemency, citing fairness, justice, and strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The commission’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, expressed optimism that diplomatic efforts will yield mercy and pardon for Olufemi, who has spent over 20 years in detention.
The case has sparked controversy, with Amnesty International urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. NiDCOM has clarified that Olufemi was in the wrong place at the wrong time and is a victim of circumstance.
Stay informed about the latest developments affecting Nigerians in the diaspora!
Follow us for more updates:
facebook.com/TheNidm
www. thenidm.com
#FreeSuleimanOlufemi #NigeriaSaudiRelations
