The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians at a spare parts market in Mozambique and called for their immediate release.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as disturbing, particularly as no offence has reportedly been levelled against the affected Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday and signed by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was “distasteful” that Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest.
She noted that if the affected individuals had violated any law, the authorities should charge them before a court.
“If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa added that the reported selective arrest of Nigerians suggested what she described as a “xenophobic attack” on Nigerian citizens.
She urged the Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure that due legal process is followed.
“According to reports, the Nigerians were specifically singled out and arrested at a spare parts market, out of all the traders and individuals present, without any allegations or explanations for their detention,” the statement read in part.
It further noted that the arrested Nigerians had been confirmed to be legal residents, while the country’s Attorney-General was reportedly unaware of any charges against them.
The commission also alleged that the detainees were beaten, had their personal belongings stolen, and that some had fallen ill and were in urgent need of medical attention.
Dabiri-Erewa called on the Mozambican authorities to urgently address the situation and ensure the safety, welfare, and rights of the affected Nigerians.
