Africa
NiDCOM Slams Mozambican Arrest of 42 Nigerians, Demands Immediate Release
Abike Dabiri-Erewa of NiDCOM condemns the detention of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, highlighting alleged beatings and targeting of only Nigerian citizens.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the operation as “distasteful” and urging authorities to release those detained without charge.
Thirteen of the Nigerians were repatriated to Nigeria late last night aboard South African Airways flight SA60, while 29 remain in custody.
Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement signed in Abuja by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the round-up targeted only Nigerians, raising concerns of xenophobia. She called on Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees or properly prosecute them if they violated the law.
“The Nigerians arrested have been confirmed to be legal residents and the Attorney General is reportedly not aware of any charges against them,” she stated.
The detainees were reportedly singled out at a spare parts market, beaten, had personal belongings stolen, and some have fallen ill, requiring medical attention, according to Dabiri-Erewa.
She emphasized that the arbitrary arrests of only Nigerians, without explanation, reflect discriminatory treatment and urged immediate corrective action.
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