The House of Representatives has vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Itunu Babalola, a Nigerian who died in an Ivory Coast prison under strange circumstances.
The Chairperson, House Committee on Diaspora, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, stated this during a condolence visit to the parents of the deceased in Ibadan.
Akande-Shadipe who noted that the Committee on Diaspora was not satisfied with the result of the autopsy carried out in Cote d’Ivoire, said a thorough investigation must be carried out to ascertain Itunu’s course of death.
She added that the House under the leadership of the Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila would take every necessary action to unravel the case including a coroners’ inquest.
Akande-Sadipe, who reiterated the commitment of the House to ensure the safety of Nigerians in diaspora, appealed to the Federal Government not to let Itunu’s death to be swept under the carpet.
The lawmaker also urged the Ivorian Ambassador to Nigeria,to ensure a thorough investigation of the wrongful incarceration to clear her name and vindicate her.
Speaking during the visit, the deceased’s father, Emmanuel Babalola said the family can only have closure through a thorough investigation into the cause of their daughter’s death.
Babalola who stressed the need to engage an independent toxicologist, to establish the cause of her death said Itunu was victimised in the Ivorian prison.
The late Itunu Babalola, was reported to have been sentenced for an offence she didn’t commit in Ivory coast where died in custody.
Aisha