Adeola, the daughter of renowned Nollywood actress Jumoke George, has finally returned to Nigeria after being trafficked to Mali and missing for four years.
The news was confirmed on Monday by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa. According to her, the commission successfully received Adeola upon her return from Mali.
Dabiri-Erewa announced via her official social media handle:
“Breaking! Adeola, daughter of popular actress Jumoke George, who cried out that she had not heard from her daughter in four years, is back home from Mali, where she was trafficked.”
Adeola’s return comes after years of heartbreak for her mother. In a deeply emotional interview on the TalkToB show hosted by actress Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke George had tearfully shared her ordeal, revealing how she started living in a church six years ago while battling a serious illness and the trauma of her missing daughter.
Speaking through tears, the veteran actress said she had kept quiet out of shame and fear of public ridicule. She explained that her declining health earlier in the year forced her to cancel acting roles, further worsening her emotional and financial struggles.
“There are some things that are embarrassing to say, but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working, but it’s not like I get jobs every time,” she said.
Jumoke recounted that her daughter, Adeola, had been living and working in Ibadan with her grandmother when she suddenly went missing.
“My mother just called me one day to say that she hadn’t seen Deola, who had said she was coming to Lagos to meet me. But I hadn’t seen her either,” she said.
She also disclosed that at one point, Adeola reached out to her, asking for forgiveness. During the call, Adeola explained that she had left Nigeria with some friends in search of a better life but ended up in an unexpected and troubling situation.
Meanwhile, Dabiri-Erewa expressed appreciation to actress Biola Adebayo, who first brought Jumoke George’s story to public attention, as well as actor Niyi Johnson for their involvement.
“Just received her, with Biola Adebayo, who broke the story, and Niyi Johnson. Details later!” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
The full details of Adeola’s return and her experience in Mali are expected to be revealed soon.
