In a desperate appeal for intervention, a Nigerian businessman, Abdul Olatunji, currently detained in South Africa, is at imminent risk of being executed or poisoned in prison by South African state agents, according to a letter addressed to the Nigerian government.
The letter, sent on November 14, 2024, by Zarephath Aid — a non-governmental organization focused on international criminal justice — details Abdul Olatunji’s ongoing ordeal, describing a calculated plot by rogue South African officials to eliminate him due to his success and rising profile in the country.
Olatunji, originally from Osun State, Nigeria, has been in South Africa since 2009, where he built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur.
He is the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a hospitality, travel, and tourism consultancy that was widely recognized as one of the biggest hospitality outfits in Johannesburg.
Through his business, Olatunji has been credited with providing employment and support to hundreds of Nigerians in South Africa, further enhancing Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
However, Olatunji’s success seems to have drawn the ire of certain South African business rivals, who, allegedly, alongside corrupt state security and law enforcement officials, initiated a campaign to discredit and eliminate him.
The plan, according to the letter, is part of a broader scheme known as “#DESTROYABDUL,” launched in 2019, which has seen Olatunji subjected to multiple fabricated criminal charges and relentless persecution.
The Ordeal
In 2019, Olatunji was arrested on what the letter claims are trumped-up charges of theft.
He was detained for nearly a year in South Africa’s police custody, where he faced repeated denial of bail and was later charged in a case that many argue lacked merit.
Despite having the support of over 10 lawyers, each of whom eventually withdrew from the case citing threats and interference, Olatunji’s legal journey became increasingly fraught with corruption and injustice.
In 2022, Olatunji was said to have been coerced into accepting a plea bargain for a five-year sentence, despite his innocence.
However, the court handed him a 15-year prison sentence. His case was further complicated by a second charge filed against him while he was still fighting the first.
He has since been denied legal representation for both charges and has been forced to represent himself in court.
Olatunji’s supporters claim that the South African authorities are orchestrating a vendetta against him, fueled by xenophobia and business rivalry.
Imminent Threat to Life
Olatunji’s supporters have expressed grave concern over his safety, fearing that he could be poisoned or subjected to other forms of harm while in prison.
According to the letter, Olatunji has become increasingly emaciated and traumatized by his imprisonment, with his health deteriorating due to the harsh conditions and restricted access to resources, including the confiscation of his laptop — an essential tool for preparing his defence.
There are fears that the authorities may be taking steps to silence Olatunji permanently, especially considering the systematic efforts to block his appeals and prevent him from having access to proper legal counsel.
A Call for Action
The letter calls on the Nigerian government, particularly the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), to take immediate action to secure Olatunji’s release and ensure his safety.
The letter urged the Nigerian government to assert its influence and intervene in the matter, emphasizing the significance of Olatunji’s contributions to Nigeria’s reputation and economy in South Africa.
The appeal highlights the broader issue of Nigerians in the diaspora being subjected to unfair treatment, criminalization, and state-sponsored persecution, noting that Olatunji is not an isolated case but a representative of many Nigerians who are making positive contributions abroad.
In an emotional plea, the letter concludes with a stark reminder of what Nigeria stands to lose: “NIGERIA COULD LOSE A SON, AN INVESTOR, A CONTRIBUTOR TO DIASPORA REMITTANCES, A KEY ALLY FOR NIGERIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA, A FATHER, SON, NEPHEW, BROTHER, FRIEND, COLLEAGUE, A GENTLE SOUL AND ABOVE ALL A HUMAN BEING.”
The letter was also sent to the South African High Commissioner and relevant diplomatic channels, urging both the Nigerian government and the international community to take swift action in the face of what is being described as a grave injustice against a Nigerian citizen.
Urgent Appeal for Immediate Intervention
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Abdul Olatunji’s fate hangs in the balance, and his supporters are calling on the Nigerian government to step in before it is too late.
With Olatunji’s health rapidly declining in the face of harsh prison conditions and with the looming threat of state-sponsored violence, the time for intervention is now.
Copyright Notice: All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of THE NEWS ACCELERATOR NETWORK.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please contact us at thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com or call 08144048512, 08051017159.
Post a Comment