In a heartfelt plea for intervention, the family of Mr. Abdul Olatunji, a Nigerian citizen currently imprisoned in South Africa has called on the Nigerian government, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to urgently intervene and save his life over what has been described as false and malicious charges orchestrated by rogue South African state agents.

According to a distressing petition by Mr. Abdul’s family through Mr Ben Abraham, founder of Zarephath Aid, an International Criminal Justice organisation, the successful businessman and humanitarian, is facing imminent danger in a South African prison, where he has been held since 2019.

They said the case of xenophobia, judicial corruption and alleged state-sanctioned persecution against Abdul has been a source of concern amidst which their mother passed on as a result of the trauma she went though as a result of the case.

They called forNigerian government’s swift action to immediately prevent the death of the Nigerian who has spent years contributing to the wellbeing of his fellow citizens abroad.

“If the Nigerian Government does not intervene, a citizen who has consistently brought glory to Nigeria and enhanced the lives of Nigerians in South Africa will die any moment now. He would have been killed by South African rogue agents,” they alleged.

Mr. Abdul Olatunji, originally from Osun State, has lived in South Africa since 2009, where he became a prominent figure in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. As the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, Olatunji has employed and assisted countless Nigerian businesses, students, and tourists, establishing himself as a key figure in the Nigerian diaspora community.

However, his rise to success has led to his being targeted by a group of xenophobic South African business competitors and corrupt state officials.

In 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures. The petition outlines a series of legal abuses that followed, including wrongful arrest, denial of bail and coerced confessions.

Abdul was eventually sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of theft, a charge that his supporters claim was fabricated.

Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted, with multiple lawyers withdrawing from the case due to threats and intimidation from South African authorities.

His legal struggle continues under dire circumstances as he is forced to represent himself in court.

The family further reveals that Olatunji is enduring physical and emotional trauma in prison, with fears mounting that he could be poisoned.

His health has deteriorated, and even his personal laptop, which was allowed for legal preparation, has been confiscated under orders from higher authorities.

“This is not just about one man. This is a call for Nigeria to protect one of its own, a shining example of what Nigerians can achieve in the Diaspora. Abdul is not a criminal—he is a victim of a deliberate plan to destroy him,” the founder of Zarephath Aid stated.

The Nigerian government has been urged to take a stand, not only for Abdulbut for all Nigerians who contribute positively abroad and face unjust persecution.

“We cannot afford to lose a son, a father, a contributor to the Diaspora, and above all, a human being. Nigeria must act now,” the family stated. (Daily Independent)