Serigne Saliou Ndoye released in the US after cultural misunderstanding

His arrest stemmed from an incident in May 2025 when, as a ride-share driver, he picked up an American passenger. According to his family, Ndoye, who had limited English proficiency, explained to the passenger that he preferred listening to the Quran over music due to his religious beliefs. This reportedly alarmed the passenger, who requested to exit the vehicle on a highway.

Ndoye allegedly refused to stop immediately, deeming it unsafe, and continued to a safer location. US authorities interpreted this refusal as a potential deprivation of liberty or attempted kidnapping, leading to his arrest and preventive detention. His family and the Senegalese diaspora maintained that no accusations of sexual assault or other serious crimes were made, attributing the situation to a linguistic and cultural misunderstanding.

A significant support campaign was launched by the Senegalese community in the US, including a petition with thousands of signatures and a fundraising effort for his legal defense. Senegalese authorities, through the General Secretariat for Senegalese Abroad and diplomatic representations, closely monitored the case to ensure his rights were respected. His release, occurring during the month of Safar, is a relief to his family and the diaspora.