I am writing to share my story from the Federal Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa. My family was very poor, and I became an orphan at a young age. I am now a mother of three children—my eldest is fifteen, my second is five, and my youngest is two years and four months old, born via Caesarean section.
I have three sisters from the same mother. Our mother died during childbirth when I was very young, so I never knew her. My father passed away in a motor accident, leaving us orphaned. Life became extremely difficult for my sisters and me.
After our parents’ deaths, my eldest sister moved to town to work as a babysitter. I stayed in the village with another sister, where we fetched water for widows and elderly people to earn money for food. None of us attended school. Our uncle provided no support, while his own children went to school and mocked us for our work.
Eventually, my sister and I moved to town with our small savings. I was young but endured tremendous hardship. I worked as a babysitter for a Liberian woman for seven years, then for a Ghanian woman for six years. I saved my earnings and started a small business selling used clothes.
During this time, my elder sister suffered a stroke and became paralyzed. The cause remains unclear—some believe it was mystical. My eldest sister lived with an elderly man who later passed away.
After years of struggling to conceive, trying various medicines, I had three children. Before my last pregnancy, I developed diabetes. I delivered my youngest child by Caesarean section due to medical complications. The father of my children left without explanation.
I became a single parent to three children. As an orphan myself, my children now face similar circumstances. My fifteen-year-old daughter cares for her younger sisters, which breaks my heart daily. Our landlord has given us a final notice to vacate. The stress is overwhelming, and I often cry through the night, asking God why this is happening.
… when I arrived at Hong Kong Airport, customs officials called me for a body search. They discovered the large object and asked what it was. I said it was powdered gold, but they informed me it was drugs. I was shocked and devastated.
I managed to support my children through my small clothing business, selling items like almond oil and Afghan oil. This gave me the idea to expand by traveling to Cotonou in the Federal Republic of Benin to purchase baby and women’s clothes.
In May 2019, I met a woman named Madam Linda in the Cotonou market. She helped me find quality items, and we became friends. I trusted her completely as my business partner and friend.
In late 2023, I obtained a visa to Hong Kong to purchase wireless microphones and baby clothes for the Christmas season. Before traveling, I visited Madam Linda in Benin. She brought up the “powdered gold” again.
On November 24, 2024, when I arrived at Hong Kong Airport, customs officials called me for a body search. They discovered the large object and asked what it was. I said it was powdered gold, but they informed me it was drugs. I was shocked and devastated.
I was taken to a hospital where the drugs were removed, then to a police station, and finally placed in custody at Tai Lam Centre for Women. I lost all my money—visa fees, flight tickets, hotel reservations—everything.
Life in Custody
My health is in danger due to diabetes, and my children in Côte d’Ivoire are suffering without anyone to help them. At Tai Lam, I fainted three times but was revived by the dedicated staff, whom I thank deeply.
My situation in custody is difficult. I am older and require medication for high blood pressure and diabetes. I cry daily for my children and my sister who remains bedridden from her stroke.
I am deeply sorry for what happened. I pray that justice will be served and that Madam Linda will be held accountable.
I ask for mercy and compassion. Please consider my health condition and my children who depend on me. Diabetes is a serious illness that requires constant management. I made a terrible mistake out of desperation and trust in the wrong person.
I am completely exhausted and overwhelmed with sorrow. Please do not let my life end with a long sentence. I beg for forgiveness and a chance to return to my children who need me.
I humbly ask for your understanding and mercy in this desperate situation.
Note: This letter has been edited for grammar and readability. See the original letters images below.
