A 20-year-old Nigerian lady, Emmanuella Omah, has made a distress call for help, alleging that her sponsor in Egypt is demanding N2.4m from her to secure her release from a job as a domestic worker. Omah claimed that she had already paid N2.6m from her work, adding that the travel expenses were N1.5m. She stated that her sponsor made it clear that no one would stop him from collecting his money.
Omah left Lagos in May 2025 to work as a domestic worker in Cairo, but her experience has been far from what she expected. She revealed that she had worked for more than 15 Egyptian employers in the last 12 months, but all of them maltreated her. She recounted that she suffered physical assault and verbal abuse, which have left her traumatized. The maltreatment has also taken a toll on her health, as she is currently suffering from an ulcer due to inadequate feeding.
Omah shared her ordeal, stating that she was dehumanized by her employers, mostly women. She narrated how three women maltreated and dehumanized her, with the last employer beating her after she fell from a ladder while cleaning chandeliers. Although she was taken to her supervisor's house, she hardly had food to eat, relying on the little money her parents sent from Nigeria. Her situation worsened when she developed serious stomach pain due to the ulcer.
The young lady's journey to Egypt began when her father's friend introduced her family to a sponsor in Egypt to facilitate her travel. The sponsor had promised that she would work in different places and earn a good pay in Egypt. Following weeks of deliberations with her parents, Omah agreed to go to Egypt to work as a house help. However, her expectations were dashed by the inhumane treatment she endured.
Omah's agreement with her sponsor was that she would work to pay all the travel expenses for one year and nine months, totaling N5m. She called on Nigerians and agencies to help her return to Nigeria, adding that her parents are worried. Her parents have called on the sponsor to help her reduce the months and find easier work, but he insisted that if she would go back, she must pay the exact amount of the months remaining.
The Nigerian lady's situation has drawn attention to the plight of many Nigerians who travel abroad in search of greener pastures, only to be exploited and maltreated. Her case highlights the need for the government and agencies to take a closer look at the activities of sponsors and employers abroad. Omah's story serves as a testament to the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of seeking help from reputable sources.
Omah's case has sparked a renewed call for greater awareness and action to prevent human trafficking and exploitation. Her story is a reminder of the need for collaboration between governments, agencies, and individuals to combat human trafficking and protect the rights of citizens abroad. Efforts are being made to help Omah secure her release and return to Nigeria.
Key points
- The Nigerian lady, Emmanuella Omah, claims her sponsor in Egypt is demanding N2.4m for her release.
- Omah has worked for over 15 Egyptian employers in the last 12 months, suffering physical assault and verbal abuse.
- The Nigerian government and agencies have been called upon to take action to prevent human trafficking and exploitation.
