Trapped In Iraq: Three Nigerian Women Demand Urgent Repatriation

Trapped In Iraq: Three Nigerian Women Demand Urgent Repatriation

Three Nigerian women detained in Karada Prison, Baghdad, Iraq, are pleading for immediate assistance from the Nigerian government to facilitate their return home.The women, identified as Adetunji Opeyemi Elizabeth (36), Aladetan…Trapped In Iraq: Three Nigerian Women Demand Urgent Repatriation

Rachael Tinuola (28), and Adebayo Blessing Favour (24), were arrested for lacking residence permits.

Speaking through a phone interview facilitated by the Nigeria-based human rights organization, Hopes Haven Foundation, the women clarified that they were not trafficked to Iraq but chose to travel there in search of better opportunities.

Adetunji, a graduate who has struggled to find work in Nigeria since 2013, mentioned that her visa was processed by a trusted agent, Adekunle Oladiola. Upon arrival in Iraq, they encountered an unidentified agency due to language barriers, which placed them in temporary jobs such as caregiving and salon work.

However, Adetunji revealed facing unsafe working conditions and threats from her employer, prompting her return to the agency’s office. Unfortunately, the office later shut down, leaving her without a job or accommodation.

The women were arrested in September 2024 for not having residence permits. While they are willing to fund their own return tickets, delays by immigration authorities have prolonged the process.

Adetunji described the prison conditions as dire, citing poor food quality and a lack of proper healthcare. “Sometimes they bring spoiled food. I go days without eating because I can’t manage,” she said, adding that she suffers from severe back pain and requires medical attention.

Their situation highlights the difficulties faced by Nigerian migrants in countries without Nigerian embassies, such as Iraq. While embassies in neighboring countries offer support, the absence of direct representation in Iraq has left the detained women isolated.

Adetunji is calling on the Nigerian government to expedite their repatriation, emphasizing her deteriorating health and the unsafe conditions they endure in detention.

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