NiDCOM demands release of 42 Nigerians detained in Mozambique

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Abike Dabiri-Erewa

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By Folarin Kehinde

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The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the reported arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique without formal charges, describing the development as disturbing and unacceptable.

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Dabiri-Erewa made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

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She expressed concern that the Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest among other traders at a spare parts market.

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According to her, it was “distasteful” that only Nigerians were reportedly handpicked and detained without any explanation from the authorities.

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Dabiri-Erewa said that if any of the arrested individuals had violated the laws of Mozambique, they should be formally charged and arraigned before a competent court of law.

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She added that the sudden and targeted arrest of the Nigerians raises concerns about a possible xenophobic attack against Nigerian citizens living in the country.

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The NiDCOM boss therefore called on Mozambican authorities to either immediately release the detainees or ensure that due legal process is followed.

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Reports indicated that the Nigerians were singled out and arrested at a spare parts market despite the presence of traders from other nationalities.

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The arrested individuals were said to be legal residents in Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney-General was reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them.

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It was also alleged that some of the detainees were assaulted during the operation, with their personal belongings confiscated. Several of them were also said to have fallen ill and are in urgent need of medical attention.

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Dabiri-Erewa urged the Mozambican authorities to respect the rights and dignity of Nigerians in the country and ensure that justice and fairness prevail.

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