The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Kenyan authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Olubunmi, in Nairobi.

Olubunmi, who was employed by Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya, was found dead in her apartment last week.

Reports indicate that her decomposing body was discovered three days after she had allegedly passed away, following her unexplained absence from work.

According to a report by the Associated Press on Wednesday, some of Olubunmi’s colleagues accused her employer of preventing her from travelling to Nigeria, despite her multiple requests, an allegation denied by the company.

In a statement signed by Gabriel Odu from NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the importance of proper labour laws to protect Nigerians working abroad.

She stated that “proper mobility of labour laws in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems.”

She further noted that the establishment of such laws would help prevent cases where Nigerian workers abroad struggle with employment conditions, lack of mental health support, and restrictions on returning home when necessary.
“The Chairman, NiDCOM, extends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“She urges a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s untimely passing,” the statement read.
Dabiri-Erewa also assured Nigerians that NiDCOM was in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to Olubunmi’s family.
She appealed to Nigerians in Kenya to remain calm while the case is being investigated.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, she advised jobseekers to ensure they engage only with reputable organisations and to stay informed about their rights and available support structures.

This is not the first time a Nigerian has died under suspicious circumstances in Kenya. In July 2021, tragedy struck at a house party when two Nigerians lost their lives under unexplained conditions.
One reportedly fell from the 7th floor of Skyhorse Apartment in Kilimani, dying instantly, while the other allegedly slumped in the kitchen and was later pronounced dead.

An oil and gas firm, Axxela, has restated its commitment to global best practices in upholding legal processes, community interests, and sustainable development.

Axxela clarified while reacting to a protest by the people of the Emu-Ebendo community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, demanding its exit from the land it acquired in the area through another community.

The Emu-Ebendo community protested on Tuesday against the illegal acquisition of land, claiming ownership based on a 2003 Supreme Court judgment in their favour, including the portion acquired by Axxela for its business operations in the area.

The company, however, clarified a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Manager, Omolara Shitu, which was made available to journalists in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday.

Axxela said, “The land it acquired had legitimate titles, registered deed of assignment with the state governor’s consent in 2024.

“Our attention has been drawn regarding a community dispute concerning land acquired for a planned gas processing plant in Umuseti, Delta State.

“As a responsible corporate organisation, we wish to clarify the facts and reaffirm our commitment to global best practices that uphold legal processes, community interests, and sustainable development.

“The land in question was acquired following rigorous due diligence and in full compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

“This includes extensive consultation with the relevant family houses, engagement with related authorities and adherence to all statutory procedures governing such transactions.”

The company said further to this, it also obtained a registered deed of assignment for which the governor’s consent was obtained in December 2024.

The company expressed its commitment to stakeholders’ engagement, adding that it was open to dialogue to ensure a peaceful disposition with host communities.

“Axxela places high value on proactive and strategic engagement with host communities.

“Prior to the acquisition, we engaged in extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including family representatives, local leaders and community representatives, to ensure utmost transparency and mutual understanding.

“We remain committed to resolving any perceived community issues through dialogue with anyone who may feel aggrieved in this matter,” the statement said.

The company also cautioned against misinformation that could escalate tensions.

“We strongly discourage the spread of misinformation that could escalate tensions or misrepresent our brand’s integrity,” the statement read.

The house of representatives has exempted military service members from paying personal income tax (PIT).

The decision was reached on Thursday following the adoption of a report on tax reform bills, which also provides exemptions for certain agricultural businesses and other categories of income.

Personal income tax is imposed by the government on an individual’s earnings, including salaries, wages, bonuses, dividends, and other forms of income.

Section 164 of the Nigeria tax bill outlines the categories of individuals exempted from personal income tax.

While presenting the motion for the report’s consideration, James Faleke, chairman of the finance committee, said certain agricultural businesses are also exempted from personal income tax for the first five years of operation.

“In addition, wages and salaries of military officers have been proposed to be exempt from income tax,” he said.

The report also excludes several categories of individuals and entities from personal income tax.

According to the report, profits or gains from asset disposals are exempted for statutory or registered friendly societies, provided the income is not derived from trade or business.

Similarly, the committee said registered cooperative societies will enjoy tax exemptions if their earnings do not come from commercial activities.

It also said entities engaged in educational, religious, or charitable activities of public interest are also excluded, as long as their profits are not generated from business ventures.

Compensating payments that qualify as dividends or interest in regulated securities lending transactions are exempt, the report said.

The panel also said consular fees collected on behalf of a foreign state, along with the employment income of consular officers, are not taxable unless such earnings come from trade, business, or additional employment in Nigeria.

Income exemptions also extend to funds covered under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act and pension funds and assets established under the Pension Reform Act.

The report said death gratuities, compensation for injuries, and redundancy lump sum payments or other capital compensation for loss of employment are not taxable, adding that income from bonds issued by the federal or state government of Nigeria is also exempt.

The lawmaker also individuals earning the national minimum wage or less are not required to pay personal income tax.