Abdul Olatunji: South Africa  under fire over illegal detention of HYDRO Club owner

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – Following a petition filed by an human rights organization, Zarephath Aide, the Federal government has waded into the detention of a South Africa based Nigerian businessman, Abdul Olatunji, owner of HYDRO Club, who has been detained by the South African government since 2019 without fair trial.

Abdul Olatunji has been held incommunicado and not allowed to have any legal representation in court, contrary to South African laws.

Abdul’s detention has attracted widespread attention and criticism which has drawn the attention of the federal government into his plight.

His family had also written to the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission’s (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa to draw her attention into Abdul’s plight.

While reacting to Abdul’s situation, the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said since the matter was brought to the attention of the agency, it has contacted the acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa who has also reached out to the South Africa government to provide an explanation on the matter given the severity of the case.

He noted that while the case was not initially brought to the attention of the agency, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is currently working with the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out, with justice and fairness.

⁠ ” The President of one of the Nigerian Diaspora Organisations in South Africa, the Nigerian Women’s Association South Africa, Elizabeth Johnson, informed NiDCOM that they have reached out to Abdul, after some media reports, while making arrangements for a prison visitation soon. NiDCOM Chairman has also spoken to Abdul’s brother via a telephone call,”the spokesperson said

He assured that the federal government will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Abdul’s family had accused the South African government of detaining the businessman, who runs HYDRO Club in Santon on false and malicious charges, allegedly orchestrated by South African officials.