Adeola, the daughter of renowned Nollywood actress Jumoke George, has returned to Nigeria from Mali after being trafficked and held in the West African country for four years.
The development was confirmed on Monday by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who disclosed that Adeola was successfully received and repatriated to Nigeria.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, Adeola’s return marks the end of a harrowing chapter, as she was trafficked to Mali under circumstances still being investigated. She praised the efforts of fellow Nollywood actress Bola Adebayo for bringing the case to public attention, as well as actor Adeniyi Johnson for lending his voice to the rescue efforts.
NiDCOM did not immediately provide details about the circumstances of Adeola’s trafficking or how she was eventually located and brought back home. However, sources said her repatriation was facilitated through collaborative efforts with relevant authorities in Mali.
This is not the first time Nollywood has played a key role in social intervention efforts. The entertainment industry has increasingly become a platform for advocacy, particularly concerning human trafficking and the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
Adeola’s safe return is expected to reignite conversations around the persistent issue of human trafficking and the need for stronger safeguards for vulnerable Nigerians, especially women and young people.
More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
