NiDCOM Condemns Arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, Demands Immediate Release
- 4 hours ago
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The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly criticised the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the incident as troubling and unacceptable.
In a statement released by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said the circumstances surrounding the arrests raised serious concerns about the treatment of Nigerians abroad.
According to the commission, the group of Nigerians was reportedly apprehended during a security operation at a spare parts market in Mozambique. However, reports indicate that only Nigerians were singled out for arrest despite the presence of other traders and individuals in the market.
Dabiri-Erewa described the selective arrest as disturbing and warned that such actions could suggest xenophobic targeting of Nigerian citizens.
She urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detained Nigerians immediately or formally charge them in court if there is evidence that they violated any laws.
The NiDCOM boss emphasised that many of the detained individuals are said to be legally resident in the country, adding that the situation has raised questions because there are reportedly no known charges filed against them.
She also expressed concern over allegations that some of the detainees were assaulted during the operation, with claims that personal belongings were taken and several of the Nigerians are now ill and require medical attention.
Dabiri-Erewa called on the authorities in Mozambique to ensure the safety and fair treatment of the detained Nigerians while due legal processes are followed.
The commission said it is monitoring the situation closely and expects that the rights of the affected Nigerians will be protected in line with international law and diplomatic norms.
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