Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has vehemently condemned the arbitrary arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique and called for their immediate release.
The arrests were reportedly made without any formal charges, raising serious concerns about due process and potential xenophobia.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols for the Commission, Dabiri-Erewa expressed profound dismay that only Nigerians were allegedly targeted for arrest.
She emphasized that if any individuals have violated Mozambican law, they should be formally arraigned and charged in a court of law, rather than being subjected to what appears to be discriminatory detention.
According to reports, the 42 individuals were specifically singled out and rounded up at a local spare parts market, while other traders and individuals present were left undisturbed.
Despite being confirmed as legal residents of Mozambique, the detainees were reportedly arrested without any formal allegations or explanations from the authorities.
Further reports indicate a distressing violation of human rights during and after the arrests. The detainees were allegedly subjected to physical beatings, and their personal belongings were stolen.
Concerns are mounting for their welfare, as several of the arrested Nigerians have reportedly fallen ill and are in urgent need of medical attention.
The Commission continues to monitor the situation closely and calls on the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene and ensure the safety and rights of its citizens are protected.
