Dabiri-Erewa Condemns Arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, Demands Immediate Release

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the incident as disturbing and calling for their immediate release.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the NIDCOM boss expressed concern that the Nigerians were allegedly arrested without any formal charges being filed against them.

Dabiri-Erewa said it was troubling that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation at a spare parts market, despite the presence of other traders and individuals at the location.

According to her, if any of the individuals had violated the law, the appropriate step would be for authorities to formally charge them and allow due legal process to take its course.

She noted that the reported mass arrest of Nigerians alone raises concerns about possible xenophobic targeting.

Reports indicate that the 42 Nigerians, said to be legal residents in Mozambique, were arrested during a raid at a spare parts market. Authorities allegedly failed to provide clear reasons for their detention.

Some of the detainees were reportedly beaten during the arrest, while their personal belongings were allegedly confiscated. Sources also say several of them have fallen ill and are in need of medical attention.

Dabiri-Erewa therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure they are properly charged in court in line with the law.

The NIDCOM boss also called for fair treatment and respect for the rights of Nigerians living abroad.