The deceased, Itunu Babalola

The Nigerian government described Itunu's death as a tragic blow while demanding a full investigation.

Following the tragic death of 21-year-old Itunu Babalola who recently died while serving a 20- year jail term in Côte d’ivoire, the Nigerian government have demanded a full autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of her death.

Babalola is said to have died in the hospital on Sunday, November 14, from complications from diabetes.

Reacting to the sad development, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who is the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, in a statement released today November 15, described Itunu's death as a tragic blow “at a time the Nigerian mission in Côte Divoire had paid and engaged the services of a lawyer to handle Itunnu’s appeal case.”

In the statement titled, ‘Death of a Nigerian in Cote D’ivoire: FG demands full investigation,’ Dabiri-Erewa lamented that Babalola passed away abruptly while efforts were ongoing to seek both legal and diplomatic intervention for her.

“The staff of the Nigerian mission had also visited Itunu in prison, a distance of over four hours from Abidjan. While the appeal case was on, Itunu was said to have developed complications from diabetes and was rushed to the hospital.

The fees for the treatment was paid by the Nigerian mission through the lawyer whose services were engaged by the mission; unfortunately, she died suddenly after a few days of admission at the hospital.

Her death, will, however, not stop the appeal in court in order to vindicate her of the charges against her” Dabiri-Erewa said