Nigerian Government Summons Ivorian Ambassador Over Death of Usama in Abidjan Prison

The Federal Government has summoned the Ivorian Ambassador to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, to demand an explanation over the death of Nigerian citizen, Usama Murtala, while in detention in Côte d’Ivoire.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, raised the issue during a meeting with the envoy in Abuja, where she also called for compensation for the deceased’s family and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Usama Murtala and five other Nigerians had travelled from Sokoto to Abidjan on a trading trip in August 2025 when they were reportedly arrested and detained in the MACA Prison without charge or trial. The five survivors were recently released following diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian Mission and interventions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu questioned why Nigerian authorities were not informed of the detention of the six citizens, noting that the lack of notification delayed diplomatic intervention.

According to the minister, the young men also faced significant challenges due to language barriers and the absence of legal representation while in detention.

“These young men were simply detained and taken to prison. Nobody could give reasons why they were arrested and detained for so long without trial or charge,” she said.

The minister further complained that the victims’ phones, money, goods and other personal belongings seized during their arrest had not been returned despite their release.

She informed the ambassador that the survivors had returned to Sokoto State but insisted that the circumstances surrounding Murtala’s death must be fully investigated.

“We seek compensation for the dead young man’s family and a commitment that Côte d’Ivoire will, going forward, treat our nationals with dignity,” she stated.

Responding, Ambassador Traore expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and to Nigeria, assuring the Federal Government that he would immediately convey its concerns to the authorities in Abidjan.