Nigerian TikTok content moderator Found Dead: The shocking death of Nigerian TikTok Content Moderator Anzaki Olubumni has sparked widespread condemnation and demands for justice. Olubumni, who worked for Teleperformance Kenya, was found dead in her apartment outside Nairobi last Friday, with reports indicating that her body had been decomposing for three days before being discovered.
Her death has triggered protests among gig workers and content moderators, who accuse the company of negligence and mistreatment, particularly regarding work permits, tax deductions, and denied employee benefits.
Gig Workers Demand Justice for Nigerian Moderator Found Dead in Nairobi
According to the Kenya Union of Gig Workers (KUGWO), Olubumni had been requesting leave and a return ticket to Nigeria since 2022, as per her contract, but was repeatedly ignored by her employer. Her tragic demise has brought to light significant concerns over the treatment of digital laborers in Kenya.
KUGWO has formally called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and Teleperformance Kenya to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The union has also condemned alleged attempts by Teleperformance management to silence employees speaking out about the incident.
“We strongly condemn any attempts by Teleperformance to prevent workers from discussing this tragedy. The toxic workplace culture, which prioritizes corporate interests over employee welfare, must be addressed immediately,” read part of KUGWO’s statement.
Teleperformance Accused of Employee Negligence
Despite Olubumni’s absence from work for three days, Teleperformance reportedly failed to conduct a welfare check. Her colleagues, worried about her disappearance, were the ones who ultimately discovered her body.
Union representatives say this incident exposes severe failings in employer duty of care and long-standing grievances related to worker mistreatment, exploitation, and the denial of fundamental rights.
Key issues raised by the Union include:
- Repeated denial of return tickets despite contractual obligations.
- Unremitted tax deductions from employees’ salaries.
- Strict and unfair work permit restrictions for foreign workers.
- Lack of proper employee benefits and welfare checks.
“Olubumni’s case highlights the dire conditions many digital platform workers endure. The government must act now to enforce better labor protections,” KUGWO added.
Teleperformance Denies Allegations, Calls for Restraint
In response to the backlash, Teleperformance Kenya issued a statement denying claims that Olubumni was denied leave or mistreated.
“Any claims that the employee was denied leave are baseless and not true. We have also not prohibited any employees from speaking about the employee’s unfortunate passing or their working conditions,” the company said.
Teleperformance also expressed condolences to Olubumni’s family and pledged to support affected colleagues. However, the company urged restraint from speculation regarding the case.
“We have been in contact with the deceased’s family as well as local authorities. While we understand the concerns, we ask all interested parties to direct inquiries to the relevant authorities,” Teleperformance stated.
Union Calls for Stricter Regulations on Gig Economy Work Conditions
The Kenya Union of Gig Workers is now calling for legislative reforms to ensure better protections for digital laborers, particularly content moderators who often work under difficult conditions.
KUGWO is urging the Kenyan government to enact the following changes:
- Mandatory employer responsibility checks – Companies should be required to conduct welfare checks for absent employees.
- Fair work permit policies – Foreign workers should not be subject to exploitative permit conditions.
- Transparency in tax deductions – Employers must provide proof of tax remittance to employees.
- Clear leave and repatriation policies – Workers must be granted return tickets as per contractual agreements.
“We call upon all gig and platform workers in Kenya to unite in demanding better protections, fair treatment, and accountability from digital labor platforms,” KUGWO urged.
Global Concerns Over Content Moderator Work Conditions
Olubumni’s tragic death is part of a broader global concern about the exploitation of content moderators. These workers are responsible for reviewing harmful and distressing content online but often receive little support or recognition.
Several reports have documented the mental health toll on content moderators, with many experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to prolonged exposure to graphic content. Despite these challenges, moderators frequently face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited legal protections.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into Olubumni’s death is underway. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is expected to release preliminary findings soon, while labor rights groups continue to push for reforms.
The case has also drawn international attention, with Nigerian and Kenyan authorities monitoring developments closely. Meanwhile, Teleperformance is under scrutiny for its workplace policies and treatment of employees.
As calls for justice grow louder, many hope that Olubumni’s death will lead to meaningful change in the digital labor industry, ensuring fair treatment and better protections for gig workers worldwide.
