Five Nigerian nationals have finally returned home after spending ten months in the MACA Prison located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Their release was achieved through the diplomatic efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, welcomed Aliyu Malami, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Sa’adu Bello, and Lyman Mohammed upon their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
These men were part of a group of six individuals who traveled from Sokoto State to Abidjan in August 2025 for trade, only to be arrested and imprisoned without any formal charges. Tragically, one member of the group, Usama Murtala, passed away from an illness caused by poor medical conditions during his detention. He died on June 24, 2026, just one day after his release, and was subsequently buried according to Islamic traditions.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the government was initially kept in the dark regarding their arrest, which caused a delay in consular assistance. She highlighted that language differences in the French-speaking nation prevented the men from obtaining legal counsel or defending themselves. The Minister stated that the government intends to pursue compensation from Ivorian authorities for the ordeal.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to the welfare of citizens abroad, the Minister noted that this rescue mission aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She further urged the Sokoto State Government to assist the survivors with rehabilitation and skills training. Representative for the group, Aliyu Malami, expressed relief at being back on home soil and extended his gratitude to the government for the intervention.
