Saudi Death Row: Fresh emotional appeals have emerged over the fate of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent nearly 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, as his 80-year-old mother tearfully begged authorities to allow her see her son before she dies.
The plea comes just days after the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed that the full $570,000 (approximately ₦900 million) diyya (blood money) demanded by the family of a deceased Saudi police officer had been successfully raised and paid into a government-approved account.
In a video obtained on Monday, Olufemi’s mother, visibly distressed, appealed directly to Saudi authorities and the Nigerian government to show mercy and facilitate her son’s return home after more than two decades in detention.
“Have mercy on me. Please, let him be free and come home so that I can see him again,” she cried.
“His father died in December, and he didn’t even see him. Please, let me see him again before I die.”
A family member who also spoke in the video described Olufemi as a peaceful and hardworking young man prior to his arrest in 2002, insisting that he was never involved in violence.
“Suleimon is a very easygoing and gentle boy,” the relative said.
“He lived with me and worked as a Coca-Cola truck driver. When he travelled for Umrah, none of us imagined this nightmare.”
According to the family, the prolonged incarceration has taken a severe emotional and psychological toll, particularly on Olufemi’s ageing mother, who turned 80 earlier this year.
“There are many things she refuses to do because her biggest fear is dying without seeing her son,” the family member added. “That is why we are begging.”
Olufemi was arrested in Jeddah in September 2002 following an incident that allegedly resulted in the death of a Saudi police officer. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was sentenced to death in 2005, while others involved received prison terms.
Saudi Death Row: In a statement released on Sunday, NiDCOM reaffirmed that diplomatic engagements were ongoing through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), expressing optimism that the payment of the diyya would pave the way for clemency or a full pardon under Saudi law.
Under Saudi legal provisions, the final decision now rests with the family of the deceased officer, whose consent could spare Olufemi’s life and secure his release.
WATCH: ‘Please Let Me See Him Before I Die’: 80-Year-Old Mother Of Nigerian On Saudi Death Row Begs For Son’s Release pic.twitter.com/IEGzL41ivp
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 29, 2025
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