- Abike Dabiri-Erewa Condemns Arrest of Nigerians at Mozambique Market
- Urges Mozambique to Release Detained Nigerians or File Charges
- Described the reported selective arrest of Nigerians as a form of xenophobic action against Nigerian citizens
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians at a spare parts market in Mozambique and called for their immediate release.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as disturbing, noting that no offence has reportedly been levelled against the affected individuals.
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In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the agency’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was unacceptable that Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest.
She stated that if the individuals had committed any offence, the authorities should formally charge them before a court of law.
“If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law,” she said.
The NIDCOM boss also described the reported selective arrest of Nigerians as a form of xenophobic action against Nigerian citizens.
She therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure that due legal process is followed.
According to the statement, reports indicate that Nigerians were specifically targeted and arrested at a spare parts market while other traders present at the location were not detained.
The commission added that the arrested individuals have been confirmed to be legal residents, while the Attorney General was reportedly unaware of any formal charges against them.
The statement further alleged that some of the detainees were beaten, had their personal belongings taken, and several have fallen ill while in detention.
Dabiri-Erewa called on authorities in Mozambique to urgently address the situation and ensure the safety and rights of the affected Nigerians.
