NIDCOM Clarifies Status of Nigerian on Saudi Death Row, Says $570,000 Blood Money Fully Raised, Awaits Release Decision
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has clarified developments surrounding the case of Nigerian citizen, Suleimon Olufemi, who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia for over two decades, stating that contrary to recent claims, significant efforts have been made by Nigerian authorities and stakeholders to secure his release.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NIDCOM addressed a recent open letter by Amnesty International urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the case. While acknowledging Amnesty International’s advocacy, the Commission accused the organisation of leaving out key facts.
According to NIDCOM, Olufemi travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (lesser Hajj) years ago and was arrested in Jeddah following an incident that led to the death of a police officer. He was subsequently sentenced to death, while others linked to the case received prison terms.
NIDCOM said the fate of Olufemi rested with the family of the deceased policeman after the policeman’s child reached legal maturity and was empowered under Saudi law to decide whether to insist on execution or grant pardon in exchange for blood money (Diyya).
Following diplomatic engagements and negotiations, the family demanded $570,000 as blood money. NIDCOM explained that the organisation reached out to Amnesty International at the time to collaborate in raising the funds, but received no support.
However, the Commission stated that working with the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, led by the Yaro brothers, it successfully raised the full amount. Contributions came from various donors including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Seyi Tinubu, who jointly provided about $150,000, while the balance was sourced through a GoFundMe initiative. The money has since been fully deposited into a designated account.
NIDCOM confirmed that ongoing diplomatic engagements are being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and President Bola Tinubu has been briefed. The Commission expressed optimism that Saudi authorities will now grant Olufemi a pardon.
“Having spent over 20 years in prison for an offence that cannot be conclusively proven, and with the blood money already paid, we appeal to Saudi authorities to release Suleimon Olufemi in the spirit of fairness, justice and cordial bilateral relations,” the statement read.
NIDCOM also reaffirmed its continuous communication with Olufemi’s family, recalling that the Commission’s Chairman previously hosted his aged parents in Lagos in 2020, while efforts to secure his freedom have remained ongoing.
The Commission thanked Amnesty International for its concern but urged the organisation to ensure fairness and accuracy in its advocacy on such sensitive matters.
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