₦airaland Forum

The family of Mr Abdul Olatunji, a Nigerian businessman imprisoned in South Africa, has appealed to the Federal Government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene in what they describe as a case of false and malicious charges.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, the family, represented by Mr Ben Abraham, founder of Zarephath Aid, alleged that Olatunji is a victim of xenophobia, judicial corruption, and state-sponsored persecution.

Olatunji, who has been in detention since 2019, is said to face life-threatening conditions in prison.

Abraham, whose organisation focuses on international criminal justice, revealed that Olatunji’s ordeal has taken a toll on his family, including the death of his mother due to the trauma.

He urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly to prevent further harm to the businessman.

“If the Nigerian government does not intervene, a citizen who has consistently brought glory to Nigeria and enhanced the lives of Nigerians in South Africa will die any moment now. He is being targeted by rogue South African agents,” Abraham said.

Originally from Osun State, Olatunji moved to South Africa in 2009 and became notable in the hospitality and tourism industries. As CEO of Hydro Club, a hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he employed and supported many Nigerians, earning him recognition in the Nigerian diaspora community.


However, his family claims his success made him a target of xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials. In 2019, Olatunji was accused of theft and sentenced to 15 years. His supporters insist the charges were fabricated under a scheme they termed “#DestroyAbdul.”

A petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, detailed allegations of wrongful arrest, denial of bail, coerced confessions, and other legal abuses. Although granted leave to appeal in November 2024, Olatunji has faced challenges, including lawyers withdrawing due to alleged intimidation from South African authorities.

His brother, Abdul Sesan, expressed fears for Olatunji’s life, citing deteriorating health, physical abuse, and the confiscation of his legal documents. Despite hiring nearly 20 lawyers, all withdrew under pressure, forcing Olatunji to represent himself in court.

“This is not just about one man,” Abraham said. “This is about Nigeria protecting its citizens abroad. Abdul is not a criminal but a victim of deliberate persecution.”

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/family-of-nigerian-jailed-in-south-africa-seeks-urgent-fg-intervention/

Nigerians are now an endangered species in South Africa because of state-sponsored hate. It's even interesting to know that documented Nigerians in South Africa aren't up to 50k.

The best bet would've been to give them the option of returning to their country en mass, but it's quite unfortunate that Ebola has made their country worse than he met it.

NCAN is here. I see South Africans begging to come to a place called Nigeria today in 30 years or less. You can't be so much against foreign investors and developers without declining speedily.



Nlfpmod

Geoworldtc:
If Nigeria was good, why will there be a mass exodus?

Sure. Over 9000 medical doctors left Nigeria between 2016 and 2018 alone and almost half of all International medical graduates in the US are Nigerians. Imagine if all these people are at home contributing to the economy.

And these are only medical doctors oh.

The fed government should wade in...these Zulu bush people have taken Nigeria for a rude for too long....


One cannot help but also say,that if this guy were an easterner,the ever wicked and dark hearted koneheaded structures would've already condemned him and this thread would've hit like 10 pages of foaming in the mouth by them.....

Nigerian government should intervene. 2019 na long time ago.

This situation is really serious! Abdul Olatunji has suffered too much in South Africa. What can we say except that because he is successful, they want to bring him down. This is how they use corruption and xenophobia to ruin a person's life. Our government needs to act fast so they don't lose someone who has been representing us well abroad. By the way, I help people looking to share apartments in Lekki. If you need a short let or have an extra room to rent out, feel free to contact me. We can find a solution together!

AfonjaConehead:
The fed government should wade in...these Zulu bush people have taken Nigeria for a rude for too long....


One cannot help but also say,that if this guy were an easterner,the ever wicked and dark hearted koneheaded structures would've already condemned him and this thread would've hit like 10 pages of foaming in the mouth by them.....

REPUTATION BE LIKE. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Southy Africa? ... there's no need to confirm whether he thief not ....pure Oloriburuku lawon mzansi, shipolopolo yen!

He is not Sukudi so he should be released immediately

What's actually happening in that SA that Nigerians are running to, Nigerians should be ban from entering SA we need to save the lives of our citizen

Every chaff country dey show us shege

The Nigerian government has to step up for him.

These South African bastards needed to be taught a lesson..... They have no right to destroy the lives of hardworking Nigerians..... This is getting out of hand

Softmirror:
REPUTATION BE LIKE. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

See them?!!
Wicked souls are destined for hell fire

Ordinary Light good roads and Hospitals we leaders no wan provide for us. Now if you Japa to some countries, you become endangered human.

I thought it's only Igbo people that live in South Africa
Anyway, may he get help soon.

FG should never help those foóls

They don't deserve any mercy for their foolishness


SOUTH AFRICA OF ALL PLACES?

THOSE LAZY, XENOPHOBIC HIV MOFOS

I'll rather go to North Korea that step a foot South Africa.

AfonjaConehead:
See them?!!
Wicked souls are destined for hell fire

Nah you open your mouth talk am and I come help you amplify. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤗🤗

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON HERE IS FAMILY FIRST.

Harsh.

Juoflife1:
I thought it's only Igbo people that live in South Africa
Anyway, may he get help soon.

This one sweet you 4belly abi?

No lele, from the tribe we know say the guy dey innocent cos him people way dey pure.

The case should be taken up by the Nigeria SA diaspora.

Where are they when one of their own is facing injustice?

I blame obasanjo, Rawlings, Gaddafi, Kenyatta, Museveni etc for this bloody mistake by wasting their resources, time and energy to destroyed Apatheid in Sad Africa they should have leave these animals to be wipe out by Botha, Clark and their gang by now all these won't be happening.

Nigeria $60 Billion on these useless animls a total waste. Honestly I blame Obj and Nigerans for helping these animals.

SmartPolician:
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/family-of-nigerian-jailed-in-south-africa-seeks-urgent-fg-intervention/

SA no be where dem Dey go stay more than 2yrs.I went I saw.a country that hates foreigners.I did just two years made a huge money and ran away

Country were citizens can’t eat well what else do you expect? Mass exodus to other nations that now treat us anyhow

Sad Africa

South Africa is an evil forest, going there is at your own risk, except you are going there to live in saner white neighborhood