The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed for the release of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian citizen currently on death row in Saudi Arabia, following the payment of his blood money (Diyyah) amounting to $570,000.
In a statement issued on December 29, 2025, and signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM said the appeal was made in the spirit of fairness, justice and the strong diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the commission, the required blood money was fully raised through the combined efforts of NiDCOM and the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, with major support from the Saudi-based Yaro brothers. The funds have since been paid into a designated Saudi account.
NiDCOM expressed optimism that ongoing diplomatic engagements, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), would result in mercy and eventual pardon for Olufemi, who has spent over two decades in detention.
Suleimon Olufemi was arrested in Saudi Arabia on September 29, 2002, following an incident in Jeddah in which a police officer was killed. He was reportedly in the country on an Umrah (lesser Hajj) visa at the time. In May 2005, he was sentenced to death, while others involved in the incident received prison terms.
The commission noted that the child of the deceased officer has now reached legal age, making it possible for the family to either grant pardon or insist on the execution of the sentence. Following sustained diplomatic engagements, including meetings involving NiDCOM’s former Legal Director, Barrister Abdullahi Bello, the family reportedly agreed to accept the payment of blood money amounting to $570,000.
NiDCOM expressed appreciation to all individuals and groups who contributed financially and morally toward the effort, while reiterating its hope that the payment would pave the way for Olufemi’s release after more than 20 years in detention.
