The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has joined the family of Suleimon Olufemi in appealing for his release from detention in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, citing principles of fairness and justice, as well as strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur‑Rahman Balogun, signed the statement issued in Abuja on December 29, 2025.
NiDCOM said the diyah (blood money) of $570,000 demanded in Olufemi’s case has been fully raised and paid into a designated Saudi account through collaborative efforts with the Saudi‑based Yaro Brothers and the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.
The Commission expressed optimism that diplomatic efforts led by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), will result in mercy and pardon for Olufemi, who has been in detention for over two decades.
It will be recalled that Olufemi was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2002 after a police officer was killed during an incident in Jeddah, where he had travelled on a lesser Hajj (Umrah) visa to visit a friend.
The arrest occurred on September 29, 2002, a day after the incident. Following a trial, he was sentenced to death in May 2005, while others involved received prison terms.
NiDCOM noted that under Saudi law, the family of the deceased police officer could choose to pardon Olufemi or uphold the death sentence, since the legal age of the child of the policeman who was killed is now over 18 years.
After a series of diplomatic interventions and meetings with the victim’s family, including participation by NiDCOM’s former Legal Director, Barrister Abdullahi Bello, the family insisted that diyah of $570,000 be paid as a condition for pardon.
NiDCOM said it partnered with the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, led by the Yaro brothers, to champion the fundraising effort.
“The $570,000 dollars … has been paid into an account opened specifically for this purpose with financial support from well meaning Nigerians,” the statement said.
The commission reaffirmed its support for Olufemi’s case and thanked all contributors who played a role in raising the required amount.