I'm In Grave Danger – Nigerian Trafficked To Guinea, Forced Into Labour, Exploitation Cries For Help

A Nigerian, Abolarin Ayobami Seun, has made a desperate plea for help after being trafficked to Guinea and subjected to forced labor and exploitation.

In a distressing message directed to Nigerian human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, Seun revealed his dire circumstances and the urgent need for intervention to secure his rescue.

According to SaharaReporters, at the time of filing this report, it could not be confirmed whether Seun is a man or a woman, but efforts are ongoing to gather more information about the case.

“I am writing to you in desperation, pleading for your help and intervention in my current situation.

“I am being held against my will in Guinea Conakry, Guinea, after being trafficked from Nigeria,” Seun stated in his message.

The Nigerian further explained that they were transported by land and now trapped in forced labour under exploitative conditions.

“I am in grave danger, and I fear for my life. I am reaching out to you as a respected advocate for human rights and social justice, hoping that you can use your platform to help me,” Seun pleaded.

He pleaded for a swift action to rescue him, emphasising the urgency of his predicament.

“Time is of the essence, and I fear that if nothing is done soon, I may be lost forever,” Seun lamented.

Seun also expressed willingness to provide any necessary information that could facilitate their rescue. Seun said, “I am willing to provide any necessary information to facilitate my rescue.”

Seun's message underscores the persistent issue of human trafficking, which continues to affect many Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, only to fall victim to deceit and forced labour.

Human trafficking remains a serious issue in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria where victims are often lured with false promises of employment and transported across borders into exploitative conditions.

SaharaRepoorters had reported a series of incidents of Nigerians trafficked to different African, Western and Asian countries including Libya, Italy, Iraq, amongst others.

SaharaReporters reported how a 28-year-old Nigerian woman, Odunayo Eniola Isaac, was trafficked to Iraq, and tortured for a year and 10 months without pay.

Odunayo, whose return after her bitter experience was facilitated by the Nigerian government after SaharaReporters’ stories on her ordeals, while recounting her experience, said that Nigerian youths have become victims of human traffickers because of acute hardship and lack of jobs.

Odunayo said this during an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters where she recounted her ordeal in the hands of her Iraqi employer who tortured her like a common criminal for almost two years.

SaharaReporters in December 2024 reported that Odunayo who hails from Osun State in the South-West region of Nigeria was trafficked to Iraq in February 2023 to work as a domestic help.

She was a victim of human trafficking perpetrated by one Alhaja Yusuf Shakira, notoriously known as Mama Uganda, who deceitfully transported her to Iraq with promises of a better life.

Odunayo arrived in Nigeria on January 3, 2025, following SaharaReporters’ story about her ordeal in the Middle-East country.

SaharaReporters also reported how three Nigerian women, 36-year-old Adetunji Opeyemi Elizabeth, 28-year-old Aladetan Rachael Tinuola and 24-year-old Adebayo Blessing Favour, who were in detention in prison in Karada, Baghdad, Iraq, for not having residence permits, cried out to the Nigerian government for urgent help to return home.

Also, in January, the  National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) intercepted 13 Nigerian girls being trafficked to Iraq for suspected sexual and labour exploitation.

The victims, aged between 19 and 39, were allegedly deceived and recruited by unregistered labour agents linked to an international trafficking syndicate. They were intercepted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The operation thwarted the girls' departure following a tip-off from concerned individuals who noticed their unusual behaviour at the airport's departure lounge, according to a statement by Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP Press Officer.

Organizations advocating against human trafficking have repeatedly called for stricter policies and better enforcement to combat this growing crisis.

Concerned individuals and organisations are encouraged to amplify Seun’s plea and press for urgent action from the Nigerian government and international bodies.