One Dies As Sokoto Deportees Return From Cote d’Ivoire

Five indigenes of Sokoto State deported from Côte d’Ivoire have narrated how they spent about 10 months in detention over allegations of drug trafficking before they were cleared and returned to Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the returnees arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, on Thursday.

They said they had travelled to Côte d’Ivoire in search of better economic opportunities but were arrested by security authorities and detained for months.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Lukman Sani said they made a living by moving from one community to another, exchanging damaged and non-functional mobile phones for cartons of Indomie noodles and plastic household items.

According to him, they were later accused of involvement in drug trafficking and detained despite repeatedly denying the allegation.

“We were investigated and it was later established that we had no involvement in any drug-related offence. After that, the Nigerian Embassy intervened and we were eventually released before being deported to Nigeria,” he said.

Lukman alleged that Ivorian authorities confiscated their personal belongings before deporting them.

He also disclosed that six of them originally travelled to Côte d’Ivoire, but only five returned to Nigeria.

“One of us fell ill after we regained our freedom but before we could leave Côte d’Ivoire he died and was buried there. It was a painful experience for all of us,” he said.

He thanked the Federal Government, particularly the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, for securing their release.

He also appreciated the Sokoto State Government for receiving and supporting them upon their return.

The deportees were received by officials of the Sokoto State Government led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal and Administrative Matters, Barrister Gandhi Umar, on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Speaking after receiving them at the Government House, Aliyu thanked God for their safe return and commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire for facilitating their release and repatriation.

The governor assured the returnees of the state government’s support in rebuilding their lives.

He said those willing to continue their education would receive assistance, while others would be empowered through business and livelihood programmes.

A representative of the deportees’ families, Alhaji Sa’adu Tudun Wada, commended the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government for their intervention.

He described the return of the young men as a moment of relief and gratitude after months of uncertainty.