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

According to a report by SaharaReporters, the family alleged that she was trafficked to Iraq and is being held against her will by her employer, identified as Engineer Asma.

They claimed the employer collected $800 from her after promising to arrange a flight ticket home. She reportedly paid $400 initially and was asked for another $400 the next day.

Her August and September salaries, totalling $500, were also allegedly withheld, bringing the total amount involved to $1,300.

The family said Tawakalitu had worked for about 16 months under a two-year contract when she requested to return home after her father became seriously ill. He died on October 2.

They alleged that she was locked in a dark room for three days without food or water, her phone was confiscated, and her passport withheld. The employer also allegedly threatened to transfer her to another household for an additional two years against her wishes.

As the eldest daughter, she was expected to participate in traditional burial rites.

The family raised further concerns about alleged threats and urged Nigerian authorities to investigate, recover her money and unpaid wages, and ensure her safe return.