The Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has disclosed that
the Federal Government of Nigeria would ensure justice for Ms Itunnu Babalola,
a Nigerian lady who died in Ivory Coast prison recently, whether alive or in
death.
Spokesman of the Commission, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun,
stated this during the funeral of the deceased at the Sango Cemetery, Ibadan.
Recall that the late Babalola, popularly known as, Becky
Paul, was reported to have been sentenced for an offence she didn’t commit.
Balogun, who led the Federal Government delegation, was
quoted by NAN as saying: “It’s a sad moment for the family of Itunu and the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This is part of the Federal Government and citizens’
diplomacy.
“The Federal Government has been involved in this matter
since the story broke out. The lady was wrongfully accused of something she
didn’t do.
“She was jailed and the Federal Government intervened, but
we got to know very late.”
Balogun said that the Federal Government’s intervention was
through the country’s mission in Côte D’Ivoire and got a lawyer for her.
According to him, the lawyer appealed against the case in
court and her sentence was reduced from 20 years to 10 years.
He said: “We were pressing for justice until she was
suddenly taken away from City to Interland so that they could perfect her
justice.
“Unfortunately, we heard she developed complications in
prison and within a few days, she passed on when we were close to getting
justice for her.”
Balogun, who is also Head of Media, Public Relations and
Protocols NIDCOM, said the government had demanded an autopsy, which they had
carried out.
“Based on this, the lawyer who appealed the case is pressing
on to ensure justice for Itunu.
“Since she is the breadwinner of the family, the government
will not leave the family alone. We’ll assist the family to the best of our
ability.”
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