NIDCOM Defends Handling of Saudi Death-Row Case, Confirms $570,000 Blood Money Payment

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has rejected claims that the Nigerian government neglected the case of a citizen on death row in Saudi Arabia, stating that critical facts were ignored in recent allegations by Amnesty International.

According to NIDCOM, the Nigerian, Suleimon Olufemi, travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2002 to perform Umrah and was later arrested in Jeddah in connection with an incident that led to the death of a Saudi police officer. Although others arrested at the time were released, Olufemi was sentenced to death in 2005.

The commission explained that Saudi Arabia’s legal system allows the family of a victim to accept blood money, known as diyya, in exchange for clemency once certain legal conditions are met. After years of negotiations, the victim’s family reportedly agreed to accept a payment of $570,000, which NIDCOM confirmed has now been fully paid into an official account.

NIDCOM criticised Amnesty International for allegedly overlooking these developments and failing to acknowledge efforts made by Nigerian authorities and supporters to secure Olufemi’s release. The funds, it said, were raised through contributions from Nigerians in the diaspora, private individuals, and support from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu.

The commission expressed confidence that the completion of the payment will pave the way for Olufemi’s release, adding that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Saudi Arabia remain actively engaged with Saudi authorities to conclude the process.