Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM ), has called on Kenyan authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Ladi Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator, in Nairobi.
Last week, Olubunmi, who worked for Teleperformance, a Kenyan social media contracting company, was discovered dead in her apartment.
She reportedly disappeared from work without explanation and her decomposing remains were found three days after.
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TikToker’s employer allegedly restricted her from travelling to Nigeria
Olubunmi’s coworkers accused her employer of blocking her trip to Nigeria despite her repeated pleas, according to an Associated Press report published on Wednesday.
Dabiri-Erewa underlined the significance of appropriate labour regulations to safeguard Nigerians employed overseas in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu from NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit on Thursday.
She stated that “proper mobility of labour law in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems.”
She added that the implementation of such legislation would lessen the likelihood that Nigerians employed overseas would experience difficulties with their working circumstances, a lack of mental health care, and limitations on their ability to return home when needed.
“The Chairman, NiDCOM, extends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues. She urges a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s untimely passing,” the statement read.
Assurance from NiDCOM
The NiDCOM Chairman extended her condolences to Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues and called for a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities. She also assured the family that NiDCOM was in communication with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to provide support and monitor the investigation.
While the situation unfolds, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians in Kenya to remain calm. She advised job seekers in foreign countries to apply only to reputable companies and to familiarise themselves with their rights and available support systems.
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Prior incidents in Kenya
This incident is not the first time a Nigerian will die under mysterious circumstances in Kenya.
In July 2021, two Nigerians died under questionable circumstances during a house party.
One fell from the seventh floor of the Skyhorse Apartment in Kilimani, while the other collapsed in the kitchen.
Teleperformance denies allegations
Teleperformance Kenya, a subcontractor for TikTok, has refuted claims that it prevented Olubunmi from traveling to Nigeria. In a statement to the Associated Press on Wednesday, the company insisted that it did not deny her leave and described the allegations as “baseless and untrue.”
Teleperformance further clarified that Olubunmi was entitled to an annual return ticket to Nigeria, but concerns about her work authorization may have affected her ability to travel. Reports from Olubunmi’s colleagues indicate that she had been struggling with exhaustion and was anxious to return home before her untimely death.
Her coworkers claimed that she was refused vacation because of worries about her work authorisation, even though she was entitled to an annual return ticket to Nigeria.
According to reports, in 2022, the deceased relocated to Kenya to work as a content moderator for TikTok under the contract of Teleperformance, a French outsourcing company.
Kenyan tech professionals honoured her with a vigil on Wednesday in remembrance of their colleague’s passing.
Kauna Malgwi, a friend of the deceased, said that more than 100 Nigerians employed by Teleperformance Kenya are unable to return home because they do not have legal work permits.
“More than 100 Nigerians are working under Teleperformance who haven’t had work permits for the last two years, and so they have not been able to travel home despite having an annual return ticket benefit,” AP cited Malgwi as saying.
Despite having an annual return ticket benefit, these workers are reportedly stuck in Kenya, unable to travel.