The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Kenyan authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, in Nairobi.
Olubunmi, who was employed by Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya, was found d3ad in her apartment on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Her decomposing body was found three days after she died.
According to CNN Journalist Larry Madowo, her coworkers claim she had been denied leave several times.
Although she was entitled to one return ticket home every year, the deceased had not returned home since she arrived in Kenya.
Colleagues report she expressed fatigue and a strong desire to return to Nigeria, a trip she had been unable to make for two years.
Teleperformance Kenya, in a statement to a journalist, refuted claims that Olubunmi was denied leave, calling them “baseless and untrue.”
However, colleagues allege that many Nigerian employees lack work permits, preventing travel home.
Content moderators, including those from other tech giants, cited poor pay, mental health support deficiencies, and long hours as contributing factors to the tragedy.
In a statement signed by Gabriel Odu from NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit on Thursday, March 13, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the importance of proper labour laws to protect Nigerians working abroad.
“Proper mobility of labour law in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems,” the statement read.
She further noted that the establishment of such laws would help prevent cases where Nigerian workers abroad struggle with employment conditions, lack of mental health support, and restrictions on returning home when necessary.
“The Chairman, NiDCOM, extends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“She urges a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s untimely passing.”
Dabiri-Erewa also assured all that NiDCOM was in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to Olubunmi’s family.
She appealed to Nigerians in Kenya to remain calm while the case is being investigated.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, she advised job seekers to ensure they engage only with reputable organisations and to stay informed about their rights and available support structures.
