Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian woman working as a TikTok content moderator in Kenya, has been found dead under unclear circumstances.
Olubunmi, employed by Teleperformance, a company contracted to moderate TikTok content, was discovered in her Nairobi apartment on Friday, March 7, 2025. Her body was reportedly decomposing when found, indicating she had been dead for at least three days.
Following her passing, content moderators in Kenya held a vigil on Tuesday, March 11, mourning her loss and raising concerns about workplace conditions.
Claims of Denied Leave and Work Permit Issues
According to CNN journalist Larry Madowo, Olubunmi’s colleagues alleged she had repeatedly been denied leave, despite being entitled to one return ticket home per year. Reports indicate she had not traveled back to Nigeria since arriving in Kenya.
Her coworkers claim she frequently expressed exhaustion and a strong desire to return home, a trip she had reportedly been unable to make for two years.
While Teleperformance Kenya refuted claims that Olubunmi was denied leave—calling them “baseless and untrue”—colleagues allege that many Nigerian employees lack work permits, preventing them from traveling home.
Concerns Over Working Conditions for Content Moderators
Olubunmi’s mysterious death has reignited concerns over the harsh working conditions faced by content moderators, including low pay, long hours, and inadequate mental health support.
At the vigil, content moderators from various tech firms highlighted the challenges of content moderation, with some stating that over 100 Nigerian workers at Teleperformance have been unable to use their annual return tickets due to permit issues.
Family Seeks Answers Amid Financial Struggles
Olubunmi’s family, who had not seen her since she relocated to Kenya in 2022, is now demanding answers regarding her sudden death.
The family also faces financial difficulties in arranging her burial, with reports suggesting she may have to be laid to rest in Nairobi instead of Nigeria.
As investigations continue, this incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of content moderators and the challenges faced by foreign workers in Kenya.