NiDCOM Calls for Immediate Release of 42 Nigerians Detained in Mozambique
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly criticized the arrest of 42 Nigerians living in Mozambique.
She described the incident as worrying and unacceptable, especially because the individuals were reportedly detained without any official charges being filed against them.
In a statement released in Abuja by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed serious concern about the way the Nigerians were treated.
According to reports, the arrests took place at a spare parts market, where many traders from different countries were doing business.
However, it was alleged that only the Nigerian traders were singled out and arrested, while other traders from different nationalities were not touched. Dabiri-Erewa said this type of selective arrest is unfair and disturbing.
She noted that if any of the Nigerians had committed a crime or violated the laws of Mozambique, the authorities should follow the proper legal process.
This means the individuals should be formally charged, informed of their alleged offences, and taken before a competent court of law to defend themselves.
She explained that arresting people without telling them their offence or taking them to court goes against basic legal and human rights principles. Because of this, NiDCOM believes the situation may suggest xenophobia, which is discrimination or hostility toward foreigners.
NiDCOM also raised concerns about reports that some of the arrested Nigerians were physically assaulted during the operation carried out by security officials.
It was further alleged that their personal belongings were seized, and some of them have since fallen ill while in detention.
According to reports from people close to the detainees, several of them urgently need medical attention.
Another worrying claim is that the Attorney-General of Mozambique was reportedly not aware of any formal charges against the detained Nigerians.
This has raised more questions about the legality of the arrests and the conditions under which the detainees are being held.
Dabiri-Erewa therefore called on the Mozambican authorities to respect the rights and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
She emphasized that Nigerians abroad deserve fair treatment just like citizens of any other country.
NiDCOM has urged the Mozambican government to either release the detained Nigerians immediately or ensure that the matter is handled according to the rule of law and proper legal procedures.
The commission also stressed the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between Nigerians and the communities where they live and work abroad.
The commission says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and work through diplomatic channels to ensure that justice and fairness are achieved for the affected Nigerians.
