FG Demands Release of 42 Nigerians Detained in Mozambique

FG Demands Release of 42 Nigerians Detained in Mozambique

The Federal Government has called for the immediate release of 42 Nigerians arrested in Mozambique, describing their detention as unacceptable and urging authorities in the Southern African nation to either free them or formally charge them in court.

The demand was made through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), whose Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa said reports indicated that the Nigerians were allegedly singled out during an operation and detained without any formal charges.

“It was disturbing that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation,” she said.

The NiDCOM boss described the development as troubling, stressing that if the individuals were suspected of violating local laws, they should be charged in accordance with due legal process.

“If any of the individuals had violated Mozambican laws, the appropriate step would be to arraign them before a court of competent jurisdiction rather than detain them without explanation,” she stated.

According to the commission, the Nigerians were reportedly arrested at a spare parts market where they were allegedly picked out among other traders and individuals present at the location.

The statement noted that the selective nature of the arrest raises concerns about possible xenophobic actions directed at Nigerian nationals.

NiDCOM further disclosed that the affected individuals had been confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique, adding that the country’s Attorney General was reportedly unaware of any formal charges filed against them.

The commission also raised alarm over the conditions of the detainees, alleging that some of them were assaulted during the arrest and had their personal belongings confiscated.

It added that several of the detained Nigerians were reportedly ill and in need of medical attention.

Dabiri-Erewa therefore urged Mozambican authorities to respect due process by either releasing the detainees immediately or charging them in court if there is evidence of wrongdoing.