The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as disturbing and calling for their immediate release.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by NIDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was troubling that the Nigerians were allegedly arrested without any offences being stated against them.
She said reports indicated that only Nigerians were singled out during the operation, raising concerns about possible discrimination.
“If they have run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law,” she said.
According to her, the sudden roundup of Nigerians alone suggests what appears to be a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens living in Mozambique.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or formally charge them in line with the law.
Reports indicate that the Nigerians were arrested at a spare parts market where they were trading. Witnesses said they were singled out from among other traders and individuals at the market, with no explanation given for their detention.
The arrested individuals have been confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique. It was also reported that the country’s Attorney General is not aware of any charges filed against them.
Some of the detainees were allegedly beaten during the arrest, while their personal belongings were reportedly taken. Several are also said to have fallen ill and are in need of medical attention.
