NIDCOM Condemns Arrest Of 42 Nigerians In Mozambique, Demands Immediate Release

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians at a spare parts market in Mozambique and called for their immediate release.

Chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as disturbing, noting that no offence has reportedly been levelled against the affected Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, March 8, and signed by the agency’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was “distasteful” that Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest.

She said that if the affected persons had violated any law, the authorities should charge them before a court.

“If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law,” she said.

The NIDCOM boss said the reported selective arrest of Nigerians depicts “xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.”

She therefore urged the Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure due process is followed.

The statement reads, “According to reports, the Nigerians were specifically singled out and arrested at a spare parts market, out of all the traders and individuals present in the market, without any allegations or explanations on why they were detained.

“The Nigerians arrested have been confirmed to be legal residents, and the Attorney General is reportedly not aware of any charges against them.

“They were allegedly beaten, their personal belongings stolen, and many of them are said to have fallen sick and in need of medical attention.”

Dabiri-Erewa called on authorities in Mozambique to urgently address the situation and guarantee the safety and rights of the detained Nigerians.