THE Nigerian government has strongly criticised the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, urging authorities in the southern African country to release them without delay.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Ms Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as unacceptable, raising concerns that the individuals were detained without any formal charges.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the commission, through its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the arrests were reportedly carried out in a manner that appeared to target only Nigerian nationals.
Dabiri-Erewa said the reports surrounding the operation were troubling, noting that if the affected individuals had committed any offence under the laws of Mozambique, they should have been properly charged and taken before a competent court rather than being held without explanation.
She described the development as disturbing and said the circumstances surrounding the arrests suggest possible xenophobic treatment directed at Nigerians.
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The NiDCOM boss therefore appealed to Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure that due legal procedures are followed by filing appropriate charges against them in court.
According to the commission, the Nigerians were reportedly picked up during an operation at a spare parts market where they were singled out among other traders and people present at the location.
NiDCOM also said the affected individuals have been confirmed to be legally residing in Mozambique, while reports indicate that the country’s attorney-general is unaware of any charges filed against them.
The statement further alleged that some of the detained Nigerians were physically assaulted during the arrest, had their belongings seized, and that several are currently ill and in need of medical care.
The commission reiterated the need for Nigerians living abroad to be treated fairly and urged Mozambican authorities to uphold their rights and dignity.
