Nigerian Workers Rescued from CAR Allege Sexual Abuse by Chinese Employers

Twelve Nigerian workers who were recently rescued from the Central African Republic (CAR) have recounted harrowing experiences while employed at a mining site managed by Chinese nationals. The men, who were stranded for months in dire conditions, alleged that they were victims of sexual abuse and severe mistreatment by their employers.

Upon their return to Nigeria on Friday, the group paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in Abuja. They were warmly received by the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside other senior officials.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Igorigo Freeborn revealed that, in addition to being owed 11 months’ salary, they were subjected to sexual abuse by their employers.

“We were homosexually abused by our Chinese bosses in CAR. I am not ashamed to speak out—people need to know what we went through. We were treated inhumanely, but we thank God we survived to tell our story,” Freeborn said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and various agencies for facilitating their rescue. “I used to doubt whether Nigeria could ever help its citizens abroad, but we were overwhelmed by the prompt response and support we received,” he added.

Freeborn further pleaded with the government to pursue justice on their behalf and to hold their former employers accountable for the abuse and unpaid wages. He recounted how the workers were left in remote forests without food or pay, living in unsafe and degrading conditions for over 20 months.

Their rescue was made possible through coordinated efforts by the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, the Nigerian Mission in Bangui, and other relevant bodies. After being moved to the capital city of Bangui, they received medical attention before being flown home.

Welcoming the returnees, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa assured them that the federal government would take up their case through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels. She condemned the abuses as “inhumane” and emphasized that the matter would be pursued in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s citizen diplomacy policy.

She also encouraged the returnees to become advocates against irregular migration and its dangers.

To support their reintegration, NIDCOM provided the men with financial assistance. Additional donations were made by the law firm Perchstone and Greys, represented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation. Adenugba stated that the donation was intended to help the men rebuild their lives, support their families, and explore new opportunities back home.

The returnees included:

• Rotimi Kupoluyi
• Ajosi Julius
• Odeh Collins
• Anifowoshe Yekini
• Akubo Oluwaseun
• Olayemi Peter Adewale
• Stephen Abel Otkli
• Samuel Ojochenemi
• Alih Joel Muhammed
• Unekwu Bala
• Yusuf Bameyi
• Igorigo Freeborn

NIDCOM has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that justice is served and has called on well-meaning Nigerians and organizations to support the victims in reintegrating into society.