Oyogist.com has learnt that the hashtag (JusticeForItunu) is currently trending on Social media as Nigerians call for the release of Itunu Babalola who was allegedly jailed in Côte d’Ivoire after reporting a burglary incident.
A Journalist, @ David Hundeyin first reported the matter on his official Twitter handle.
He wrote:
“Unknownn to her, her return to Cote d’Ivoire would mark the start of a harrowing ordeal in a notorious Ivorian prison, which is still ongoing.”
“Shortly before Itunu was due to travel, her flat was burgled and items worth more than N300,000 were stolen including her TV and gas cooker,” he continued.
“Despite the blow, she decided to travel anyway after reporting the incident to the police. She returned from her trip in October 2019.
“The thief turned out to be a 14 year-old boy who lived nearby. His embarrassed dad apologised and admitted that his son was a habitual thief. The items had already been sold.”
David further disclosed that Babalola reported this to the police who told her to return on the 5th of November 2019, but the appointment held on November 6.
Upon her return, Babalola was informed by the divisional police officer that the suspect was his nephew and was then offered about N100,000 to drop the case.
“She refused the settlement, citing the disparity between the value of the stolen items and what was offered,” he said.
“She was speedily convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Further complicating this was her decision to identify herself to the court as ‘Becky Paul,’” David said Further.
Reacting to the report, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) tweeted:
“We will investigate and get back with our findings. Our Mission in Abidjan will also help out.
