The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has stepped forward to support the family of Suleimon Olufemi in their efforts to secure his release from detention in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The commission cited principles of justice, fairness, and the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as guiding factors in their intervention.
In a statement signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur‑Rahman Balogun, the commission revealed that the diyah (blood money) of $570,000, required in Olufemi’s case, has been fully raised and deposited into a designated Saudi account. The funds were collected through a joint effort with the Saudi-based Yaro Brothers and the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.
NiDCOM expressed confidence that ongoing diplomatic engagements, led by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), could secure mercy and a pardon for Olufemi, who has been in detention for more than two decades.
Suleimon Olufemi was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2002 following the death of a police officer during an incident in Jeddah. Olufemi had traveled to Saudi Arabia on a lesser Hajj (Umrah) visa to visit a friend. The arrest took place on September 29, 2002, and after trial proceedings, he was sentenced to death in May 2005, while other individuals involved received prison terms.
Under Saudi law, the family of the deceased officer has the authority to pardon Olufemi or insist on the death sentence. Notably, the child of the deceased officer has now reached adulthood, which has allowed negotiations for pardon to continue. Following extensive diplomatic discussions, including interventions by NiDCOM’s former Legal Director, Barrister Abdullahi Bello, the victim’s family agreed to accept diyah of $570,000 as a condition for pardon.
NiDCOM partnered with the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, led by the Yaro Brothers, to spearhead the fundraising campaign. “The $570,000 has been successfully paid into the designated account, thanks to the generous contributions of well-meaning Nigerians,” the statement said.
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The commission reiterated its commitment to advocating for Olufemi and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to raising the necessary funds, highlighting the strong sense of solidarity among Nigerians both at home and abroad.
