Jumoke George’s daughter returns to Nigeria after four years in Mali
Adeola, daughter of veteran Nollywood actress Jumoke George, has returned to Nigeria after spending four years in Mali, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed on Monday.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the commission, disclosed that Adeola was received from Mali, where she had been trafficked. The commission commended George’s colleague, actress Bola Adebayo, for bringing attention to Adeola’s situation.
The development comes amid ongoing struggles faced by Jumoke George, who recently revealed in a tearful interview that she has been living in a church for six years after being evicted due to unaffordable rent and battling health issues.
“My health began to deteriorate earlier this year, and that’s why I had to cancel some acting jobs,” Jumoke told the TalkToB show, hosted by actress Adebayo. “I’ve been working, but not as frequently. Sometimes, it could be once in three to four months.”
Jumoke explained she had to borrow money to repay someone who had paid her for a project she could not complete because of her health.
She shared how the church leader provided her with a small room to stay in, a place she kept secret due to embarrassment. “It’s where I sleep, where I put my mattress on the floor,” she said. “Mummy church has been trying. She buys me drugs and prepares herbs for me.”
Regarding Adeola’s disappearance, Jumoke recalled, “Adeola was living with my mother in Ibadan, and one day my mother called to say that she couldn’t find her. Adeola had told her that she was coming to meet me in Lagos, but I never saw her.”
Adeola later called from a strange number, asking for forgiveness and explaining she had travelled with friends in search of a better life. Since then, Jumoke said she has not heard from her daughter. She has been caring for Adeola’s children in her absence.
Jumoke’s son, Ife, has also been supporting her, borrowing nearly ₦2 million to assist with her medical treatment and daily needs. “He has been trying. I’m worried about him; I don’t want him to lose his job. He’s been doing his best to take care of me and searching for his sister,” she said.
Earlier reports from actress Bayo revealed Adeola had been located in Mali but had not yet made contact with her mother. Bayo noted, “Though she hasn’t spoken with her mom yet, please tell her to call her. She’s currently in the hospital, but she will be happy to speak with her at least.
I’ve tried calling her, but she has not been picking up anyone’s calls, and her mom is really worried.”
