The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Kenyan authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Olubunmi, in Nairobi.
Olubunmi, who worked for Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya, was found dead in her apartment last week.
Reports indicate that her decomposing body was discovered three days after her unexplained absence from work.
According to an Associated Press report on Wednesday, some of her colleagues alleged that Teleperformance had repeatedly denied her requests to travel to Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday by NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need for stronger labour laws to safeguard Nigerians working abroad.
“A proper mobility of labour law in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed overseas, ensuring adequate documentation, monitoring, and support systems,” she stated.
She further stressed that such laws would help prevent cases where Nigerian workers abroad face harsh employment conditions, lack of mental health support, or restrictions on returning home when necessary.
Expressing deep condolences to Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues, Dabiri-Erewa called for a thorough probe by Kenyan authorities to uncover the truth behind her untimely death.
NiDCOM, she assured, is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to monitor developments and support Olubunmi’s family. She also urged Nigerians in Kenya to remain calm as investigations unfold.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, she advised job seekers to verify the credibility of potential employers and stay informed about their rights and available support systems.
This incident adds to a growing list of Nigerians who have died under mysterious circumstances in Kenya.
In July 2021, two Nigerians lost their lives at a house party in Nairobi. One reportedly fell from the 7th floor of Skyhorse Apartment in Kilimani, while the other collapsed in the kitchen and was later pronounced dead.
