‘Even in death she must get justice’ – Abike Dabiri promises equity for late Itunu Babalola
Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri, has promised that justice must prevail following the death of Itunu Babalola in Ivory Coast.
According to report, Itunu complained to the police in Bondoukou that her house was burgled leading her into a legal battle.
She was charged to court and the prosecutor in collaboration with the police allegedly compromised the case and accused her of human trafficking.
The 21-year-old was eventually convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The sentence was later reduced to 10 years.
On November 15, Itunu died in a Cote d’Ivoire prison after suffering from diabetic complications — after spending more than two years in incarceration.
“Right now the ambassador has demanded that an autopsy be conducted, a strong statement has been issued on their website and condemned the way she was treated in the first place. How does burglary becomes human trafficking even if she used a fake name,” Abike Dabiri said.
“We are waiting for the result of the autopsy and the Ivorian government has promised that everything will be done and no cover-ups.
“We don’t expect that this case we just go away like that, the case must go on; so that even in death she must get justice. NiDCOM has written to Interpol. They should look into it.
“The office of the attorney-general is following the case, the Nigeria government won’t allow it to go away like that.”
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