Ladi Olubunmi’s Tragic Death in Kenya: A Wake-Up Call for Nigerian Authorities
The shocking and tragic death of Ladi Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator working in Kenya, has once again brought to light the vulnerabilities Nigerians face abroad. Olubunmi, who was employed by Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Nairobi, was found dead in her apartment three days after she had allegedly passed away, with no immediate explanation for her demise.
Her unexplained absence from work led to the discovery of her decomposing body, sparking outrage and urgent calls for investigation into the working conditions and treatment of Nigerians abroad.
Suspicious Circumstances & Calls for Investigation
Reports suggest that Olubunmi had previously sought permission to return to Nigeria multiple times but was allegedly denied by her employer. This has raised serious concerns about the rights of Nigerian workers abroad and whether they receive the necessary protection and mental health support in foreign workplaces.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Kenyan authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s death. In a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, she emphasized the urgent need for proper labour laws to protect Nigerians working overseas.
> “Proper mobility of labour law in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
A Recurring Tragedy for Nigerians in Kenya
Ladi Olubunmi’s case is not an isolated incident. In July 2021, two Nigerians died under mysterious circumstances at a house party in Kenya. One reportedly fell from the 7th floor of an apartment complex, while the other slumped in the kitchen and was later pronounced dead. The lack of clear explanations and transparent investigations into these cases has left many Nigerians wondering: How safe are our citizens abroad?
The pattern of unexplained deaths of Nigerians in Kenya raises serious questions about the security, treatment, and legal protection available to them in foreign lands.
What Can the Nigerian Government & Embassies Do?
Olubunmi’s tragic case should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government and its embassies worldwide. It is no longer enough to react after the fact—proactive measures must be taken to prevent such occurrences.
Key Preventive Measures:
1. Stronger Labour & Mobility Laws
Establish clear policies for Nigerian citizens working abroad, ensuring proper contracts, working conditions, and legal rights.
Make it illegal for employers to deny Nigerian workers the right to return home.
2. Regular Embassy Checks on Nigerian Workers
Embassies should routinely monitor Nigerians working in high-risk countries to track their welfare and employment conditions.
Create a dedicated emergency support line for Nigerians facing workplace abuse, illegal detention, or mental health struggles abroad.
3. Massive Enlightenment Campaigns
Government agencies like NiDCOM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Labour Unions should launch campaigns to educate Nigerians on:
Their rights abroad
Red flags to watch for when accepting foreign job offers
How to seek help if stranded or mistreated in another country
4. Stronger Bilateral Agreements for Nigerian Workers
Nigeria must demand accountability from foreign countries where its citizens work, ensuring protection from exploitation and abuse.
Negotiate workplace protections as part of employment agreements between Nigerian workers and foreign companies.
A Call for Justice & Lasting Change
Ladi Olubunmi’s death should not be just another statistic. Her family, friends, and the Nigerian community deserve answers. More importantly, Nigerian citizens—whether at home or abroad—deserve better protection, representation, and advocacy.
As we await a transparent investigation from the Kenyan authorities, the Nigerian government must take this case as an urgent reminder: It’s time to act, not react.
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