NiDCOM Rescues Actress Jumoke George’s Daughter from Mali After Four-Year Ordeal

Summary

• NiDCOM facilitates return of Adeola, daughter of veteran actress Jumoke George, from Mali
• Adeola had been missing for four years after being trafficked
• Emotional video of Jumoke George pleading for help went viral
• Actress revealed years of homelessness, health struggles, and financial hardship
• Public outcry and intervention from colleagues prompted rescue effort

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully facilitated the return of Adeola, the 41-year-old daughter of veteran actress Jumoke George, who had been missing for four years after being trafficked to Mali.

The announcement was made Monday by NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“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 to. Just received her, with Biola Adebayo who broke the story and Niyi Johnson. Details later!” Dabiri-Erewa wrote.

Adeola’s return follows widespread attention sparked by a viral video in which her mother, Jumoke George, broke down in tears as she recounted years of personal hardship.

The actress, once a prominent figure in Nollywood, revealed she had not heard from her daughter since her disappearance and was now battling severe health issues, homelessness, and mounting debt.

The video, shared by fellow actress Abiola Ayomide Adebayo, showed George pleading for prayers and assistance from the public. “Dear Nigerians, please pray for me,” she said in tears. “I don’t have a home. I don’t have anything. A child of mine is missing.”

She also disclosed that she has been squatting in a church for the past five to six years and has been relying on the church for shelter and food. Her medical condition had deteriorated, requiring urgent tests for her brain and heart, which she said she could not afford.

Jumoke George’s heart-wrenching story has cast a spotlight on the often-ignored plight of Nigeria’s aging entertainers, many of whom face abandonment and lack of support despite their past contributions to the country’s film industry.

Adeola’s safe return marks a small but significant relief in what has been a deeply painful chapter for the actress. The rescue has also reignited calls for better welfare systems for entertainers and more robust efforts to combat human trafficking.