Mozambique Faces Backlash Over Detention, Deportation of Nigerians Despite Court Order
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The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Africa chapter (NIDO Africa), has strongly criticised Mozambican authorities over the continued detention and deportation of Nigerian nationals, describing the situation as a serious breach of human rights and judicial authority.
NIDO Africa’s Continental Chairman, Prof. Jude Osakwe, disclosed that 42 Nigerians were initially arrested in Mozambique under unclear circumstances. He revealed that although a court ordered their unconditional release, authorities allegedly ignored the directive and deported 13 of them.
According to Osakwe, the affected individuals were lawful residents with valid documentation, making their arrest and subsequent treatment unjustifiable. He alleged that the Nigerians were selectively targeted at a commercial market, while traders from other countries were left undisturbed.
He further claimed that some detainees were subjected to physical abuse during arrest, had their belongings seized, and suffered health complications while in custody without adequate medical care.
The deportation, he added, has left families separated, with wives and children still in Mozambique and businesses abandoned.
He stressed that none of the affected individuals was formally charged or presented with evidence of wrongdoing.
Osakwe also raised concerns over reports that key Mozambican government institutions denied knowledge of the arrests, describing the situation as either a systemic failure or a deliberate attempt to avoid accountability.
He called on Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently intervene and demand explanations, while urging international organisations and African partners to address what he termed ongoing violations against Nigerian citizens.
NIDO Africa maintained that it would continue to push for justice, insisting that all affected Nigerians must be treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
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