The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed for the release of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian on death row in Saudi Arabia, following over two decades in detention.
Olufemi was arrested in Jeddah in September 2002 after a police officer was killed during an incident while he was visiting a friend on a lesser Hajj (Umrah) visa. He was sentenced to death in May 2005, while others involved received prison terms.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at NiDCOM, stated that the Commission, in collaboration with the Saudi-based Yaro Brothers and the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, has successfully raised and paid the required Diyah (blood money) of $570,000 into a designated Saudi account. With the legal age of the deceased officer’s child now over 18, the family may decide to pardon Olufemi.
Balogun added that NiDCOM remained hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar will result in mercy or pardon for Suleimon Olufemi.
