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FG condemns arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, calls for immediate release
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NiDCOM boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa warns detention without charges is unacceptable
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Government raises concern over possible xenophobic targeting of Nigerians
The Nigerian government has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as unacceptable and calling for their immediate release.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed concern that the Nigerians were allegedly detained without any formal charges.
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In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was troubling that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation.
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She described the incident as disturbing and warned that if any of the individuals had violated the laws of Mozambique, the proper step should be to charge them in a court of competent jurisdiction rather than detain them without explanation.
According to reports, the Nigerians were allegedly arrested at a spare parts market, where they were singled out among other traders and individuals present at the location.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that the alleged selective arrest raises concerns of possible xenophobic actions against Nigerian citizens.
She therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or follow due legal procedures by formally charging them in court.
The Commission also revealed that the detained individuals have been confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney General is reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them.
NiDCOM further alleged that some of the detained Nigerians were beaten during the arrest, had their belongings confiscated, and several are currently ill and in need of medical attention.
The Commission reiterated its call for fair treatment and protection of the rights of Nigerians living abroad.
