Mozambique flouted protocol in detaining, expelling Nigerians, says NIDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has expressed strong objections to the deportation of 40 Nigerians from Mozambique, citing a lack of adherence to established protocols in the exercise, according to its chair/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

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The deportations, which took place in three batches of 13, 16, and 11 persons on March 24, 26, and 27, were carried out via South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines, with two individuals still remaining in Mozambique.

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A statement issued by the Commission's spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, condemned the deportations as a clear breach of the affected individuals' fundamental rights and established procedures.

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The Commission noted that the deportees, who possessed valid residency documents, were arrested at their business premises in Maputo without prior notice, and were subsequently detained for several days before being deported.

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NIDCOM further emphasized that the deportations were carried out without proper engagement with Nigerian diplomatic authorities, contravening international norms, and that officials from the Nigerian Embassy were denied access to the detainees.

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Additionally, the Commission raised concerns over reports that the Nigerians were not returned the money confiscated from them during detention, with some alleging that further funds were withdrawn from their mobile applications.

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Mozambican authorities claimed that the arrests were part of routine immigration enforcement operations, but NIDCOM insisted that such actions must strictly adhere to due process and respect the rights of foreign nationals.

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Of the two Nigerians still in Mozambique, one is married to a Mozambican citizen, while the other was born in the country, and the Commission recalled that all 42 Nigerians were initially arrested at different business locations despite complying with legal requirements.

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As of the current time, Mozambican authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter, a development that is likely to exacerbate concerns over due process and the treatment of foreign nationals in the country.