Nigerians in Diaspora commision NIDCOM has clarified issues surrounding the incarceration of Itunu Babalola in Abidjan.
A statement signed by Gabriel Odu of the Commission’s press and public relations department says painstaking investigations were carried out by The NIDCOM and the Nigeria Mission in Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire based on Which it confirmed that Itunu Babalola, a Nigerian living in Abijan was wronglyfully charged and incarcerated for a crime she did not commit.
According to Odu the Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Côte D’Ivoire ,Mr Mohammed Gana , sent officials of the mission to Bondoukou, a city eight hours outside Abidjan when the case was brought to his attention .. She further said plans are underway to engage the services of a legal Luninary to prove the innocence of Itunu Babalola at the Court of Appeal after the accused had spent two years out of a ten year jail term for an offense she did not commit
Reports indicate that the new Prosecutor assigned to the case has given assurances of a fair and unbiased review and retrial of the case to secure the release of Itunu Babalola.
Odu said reports also allegedly indicate that the former prosecutor in collaboration with the police twisted the case and accused Itunu Babalolo of human trafficking hence her conviction for 20yrs although the sentence was reduced to 10yrs from which she has served 2yrs so far.
Itunu Babalola whose family is from Oyo State, Nigeria has been living in Bondoukou, Cote d’ivoire for a long time but got entangled in a legal battle.when she reported the burglary of her house to the Police
On efforts made to secure her bail, the prosecutor said it is only the Court that can grant her bail as she has already been convicted
The commission gave assurance that it will continue to monitor the case as it unfolds
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