The family of a Nigerian woman, Tawakalitu Morenikeji Oyedeji, has appealed to the Federal Government to help secure her safety and facilitate her return from Baghdad, Iraq, following allegations of mistreatment by her employer.

The family told SaharaReporters that Oyedeji was allegedly confined in a dark room for three days without food or water after requesting permission to return to Nigeria following her father’s death.

Her relatives also alleged that her employer withheld her salaries for August and September, amounting to $500, and collected $800 from her after promising to arrange a flight ticket home.

The allegations have not been independently verified.

Family Alleges $800 Collected for Flight Home

According to the family, Oyedeji travelled to Iraq under a two-year employment contract and had worked for approximately one year and four months when she requested to return to Nigeria.

Her decision reportedly followed her father’s deteriorating health and subsequent death on October 2, 2026.

The family said she wanted to return home to participate in traditional rites following his burial and support relatives during the difficult period.

According to their account, Oyedeji was told that a flight ticket would cost $700, while her employer’s manager reportedly offered to contribute $300, leaving her to pay $400.

After she made the initial payment, she was allegedly asked to provide another $400 the following day. She reportedly paid the additional amount, bringing the total collected to $800.

The family said the promised travel arrangements did not result in her return to Nigeria.

Combined with the $500 in allegedly unpaid wages, the amount in dispute stands at $1,300.

Employer Allegedly Confines Worker Without Food or Water

The family alleged that Oyedeji’s situation worsened after relatives formally informed her employer and the employer’s husband of her father’s death and requested that she be allowed to return home.

According to the family, she was taken to an office and subsequently locked in a dark room for three days without food or water.

They further alleged that her phone was confiscated, limiting her ability to communicate freely with relatives.

After her reported release, she was allegedly prevented from returning to the house where she had been working and was instead instructed to remain in an adjoining office.

Her family said the restrictions left her fearful about her circumstances and uncertain about when she would be allowed to leave Iraq.

Family Raises Alarm Over Threat of Forced Transfer

The family also alleged that Oyedeji’s employer threatened to transfer her to another household to work for an additional two years against her wishes.

According to the relatives, the employer allegedly made the threat after Oyedeji demanded her outstanding salaries and continued requesting permission to return to Nigeria.

The family expressed concern that a transfer could prolong her separation from home and make it more difficult for her to seek assistance.

They also raised concerns about alleged threats and an attempted poisoning, calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the claims and establish whether she faces further danger.

Employer’s Husband Refers Questions to Company

SaharaReporters reported that it contacted the husband of the employer, identified as Engineer Asma, about the allegations.

He reportedly said he did not want to become involved in the matter and directed the publication to the company that had brought Oyedeji to Iraq.

When asked whether he would allow her to return to Nigeria, he reportedly said he had no objection but claimed she had a “commitment.”

He also said matters involving her passport, phone and money were the company’s responsibility, adding that the money had been sent to the company.

When questioned about the alleged confinement, he again referred SaharaReporters to the company manager.

The report did not include a substantive response from the employer or the company addressing the allegations.

Family Appeals for Nigerian Government’s Intervention

Oyedeji’s relatives are calling on the Federal Government, Nigerian diplomatic authorities and relevant law enforcement agencies to establish her whereabouts, verify her safety and facilitate her return.

They are also seeking assistance to recover the $500 in unpaid salaries and investigate the $800 allegedly collected for her flight ticket.

The family wants authorities to investigate the reported confinement, confiscation of her phone and passport, threats and the possibility of her being transferred to another household against her wishes.

SaharaReporters said it contacted the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) spokesperson, Vincent Adekoya, who indicated that he would respond later. No response had been received at the time the report was published.

The family continues to appeal for urgent intervention to ensure Oyedeji’s safety and help her reunite with her relatives in Nigeria.