The Federal Government has demanded compensation from the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire following the return of five Nigerian youths who were detained without charge or trial for nearly a year, an ordeal that claimed the life of one of their companions.

The five returnees are Aliyu Malami, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Sa’adu Bello and Lyman Mohammed arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after their release from MACA Prison in Abidjan through diplomatic intervention by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The youths were among six traders from Sokoto State who travelled by road to Côte d’Ivoire in August 2025 for business but were arrested by Ivorian authorities and detained without formal charges or trial. The sixth member of the group, Usama Murtala, died on June 24, 2026, shortly after his release, reportedly due to illness linked to inadequate medical care during his detention. He was subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites after consultations with his family.

Receiving the returnees in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described their detention as a grave injustice and disclosed that the Federal Government would pursue compensation from the Ivorian authorities over the treatment meted out to the young Nigerians. She noted that there was no charge sheet or trial throughout their detention and said language barriers prevented the detainees from communicating effectively or obtaining legal representation.

The minister also appealed to the Sokoto State Government to support the returnees through rehabilitation programmes and skills acquisition initiatives to help them rebuild their lives after the traumatic experience. She disclosed that the Federal Government had formally written to the state government requesting assistance for the youths.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Aliyu Malami recounted that what began as a business trip turned into months of incarceration under difficult conditions. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for securing their release and facilitating their safe return, while pledging to continue pursuing legitimate business opportunities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the release of the detainees followed sustained diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan and the ministry with the Ivorian government. Officials reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad through consular and diplomatic channels.