Three Nigerian women – Adetunji Opeyemi Elizabeth (36), Aladetan Rachael Tinuola (28), and Adebayo Blessing Favour (24) – are currently detained in a prison in Karada, Baghdad, Iraq, for not having residence permits.
Speaking with SaharaReporters in a phone interview organised by Hopes Haven Foundation, a human rights advocacy organisation in Nigeria, Adetunji appealed to the Nigerian government for urgent assistance to return home.
Adetunji clarified that they were not trafficked to Iraq but travelled to the country seeking better opportunities. She revealed that she, along with others, was met at the airport upon arrival by an unidentified agency and subsequently faced difficulties finding employment.
She recounted facing challenges such as unsuitable working conditions, including threats from an employer, and difficulties accessing proper healthcare.
Adetunji expressed concern about the quality of food provided in prison and highlighted the lack of access to proper medical care.
She also revealed that they have not been able to reach out to any Nigerian community in Iraq due to the absence of a Nigerian Embassy in the country.
The women are appealing to the Nigerian government to facilitate their return to Nigeria as soon as possible.
