Nigeria Demands Probe After Citizen Dies in Ivorian Detention

The Nigerian government has called for an investigation and compensation regarding the death of Usama Murtala, a Nigerian citizen who died while detained in Côte d'Ivoire. This formal demand was made on Friday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, during a meeting with Ivorian Ambassador Kalil Traor in Abuja.

Murtala was among six Nigerians arrested in Abidjan in August of the previous year while engaged in trade activities. Five others were released after diplomatic efforts, but Murtala reportedly suffered poor conditions and was denied legal representation during his detention.

Ojukwu raised concerns about the lack of notification regarding the arrests and the treatment of the detainees, emphasizing the need for proper investigation into Murtala's death. The Nigerian government assured that it would pursue the matter with Ivorian authorities and seek compensation for Murtala's family.

The five survivors have since reunited with their families in Sokoto State.