NiDCOM Condemns Arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, Demands Immediate Releas
Concerns have intensified over the arrest of 42 Nigerian nationals in Mozambique, with the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, strongly condemning the development and demanding their immediate release.
The condemnation followed reports that the Nigerians were allegedly detained without any formal charges being filed against them, a development the Commission described as deeply troubling.
A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and obtained by PulseNets was signed by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
In the statement, Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the arrests, particularly the claim that the Nigerians were detained without being formally charged.
According to the NiDCOM boss,
“It was disturbing that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation.”
The Commission described the development as both distasteful and worrying, stressing that proper legal procedures must be followed if any individual is suspected of wrongdoing.
Dabiri-Erewa stated that,
“if any of the individuals had violated Mozambican laws, the appropriate step would be to arraign them before a court of competent jurisdiction rather than detain them without explanation.”
PulseNets learnt that the NiDCOM chief also warned that the alleged targeting of Nigerians could be interpreted as an act of xenophobia against Nigerian citizens residing in the southern African country.
She therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detained Nigerians immediately or proceed through the appropriate legal channels by filing formal charges against them in court.
Further details obtained by PulseNets indicate that the Nigerians were reportedly arrested at a spare parts market during an operation where they were allegedly singled out among other traders and individuals present.
“According to reports, the Nigerians were allegedly picked up at a spare parts market, where they were singled out among other traders and individuals present at the location without any clear allegations or explanations for their arrest,” the statement noted.
The Commission also revealed that the detained individuals have been confirmed as legal residents in Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney General is reportedly unaware of any formal charges filed against them.
NiDCOM further raised alarm over the condition of some of the detainees.
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“Some of the detained Nigerians were beaten, had their personal belongings confiscated, and several of them are currently ill and in need of medical attention,” the Commission alleged.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission reiterated its position that Nigerians living abroad must be treated fairly and their fundamental rights respected in accordance with international law.
