Nigeria's foreign affairs ministry has summoned Ivory Coast's ambassador to the country over the death of a Nigerian detainee held in an Abidjan prison. Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with Ambassador Kalilou Traore on Friday to address the case of Usama Murtala, who died after extended detention without trial.
Usama and five other young Nigerians travelled from Sokoto State to Abidjan in August 2025 for a trading venture. They were arrested upon arrival and locked up in MACA Prison, where conditions deteriorated rapidly.
Four of the six detainees have since been freed following negotiations by Nigeria's diplomatic mission and the foreign affairs ministry. The four survivors were reunited with their families, though the minister said they bore deep scars from their ordeal.
During the meeting, Ojukwu demanded compensation for Usama's family and raised concerns about the treatment the prisoners endured. She told the ambassador that two of the rescued detainees fell critically ill due to severe malnutrition.
"They were given food only once daily," Ojukwu noted, describing the prison conditions as inhumane. The minister emphasised that the loss of Usama would weigh heavily on his loved ones for years to come.
The six traders had embarked on their journey with no expectation of arrest or mistreatment by Ivorian authorities. Their detention without charges violated international norms on fair treatment, Nigeria's government argued.
The case has drawn attention to risks faced by Nigerian traders operating across West Africa. Officials in Lagos say they'll continue pressing Abidjan for accountability and justice for the deceased's family.
Nigeria's ministry of foreign affairs confirmed it would monitor developments closely and ensure all survivors received proper medical care upon returning home. The government pledged to support the families affected by the incident.
