The family of Tawakalitu Morenikeji Oyedeji, a Nigerian woman reportedly trafficked to Baghdad, Iraq, has appealed to the Federal Government to rescue her and bring her home after her father’s death.
According to SaharaReporters, her employer, identified as Engineer Asma, allegedly collected $800 from her after promising to arrange a flight ticket to Nigeria. Tawakalitu reportedly paid $400 first and was asked to pay another $400 the next day.
Her family also accused the employer of withholding her August and September salaries, worth $500. The total amount involved is $1,300.
Tawakalitu had worked for about 16 months under a two-year contract when she requested to return home because her father was seriously ill. He died on October 2, leaving her distressed because she could not help pay for his treatment.
The family alleged that her employer locked her in a dark room for three days without food or water and seized her phone. They also claimed that her passport was withheld and that she was threatened with a transfer to another household, where she would be forced to work for two more years against her wishes.
As the eldest daughter, Tawakalitu was expected to take part in traditional burial rites for her late father.
Her family further raised concerns about alleged threats and an attempted poisoning. They urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the claims, recover her money and unpaid salaries, and ensure her safe return to Nigeria.
