By Achile Danjuma
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerian nationals in Mozambique, describing the incident as a disturbing act of xenophobia and calling for their immediate release.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed deep concern over the detention, particularly as reports indicate no formal charges have been filed against those apprehended. The arrests reportedly took place at a spare parts market and appeared to specifically target Nigerian traders.
“It is distasteful that Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest,” Dabiri-Erewa said through the agency’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun. She characterized the action as a “xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.”
The Commission stated that while it respects the rule of law, due process must be followed. “If the affected persons have violated any law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law, not subject them to arbitrary detention,” Dabiri-Erewa asserted.
The statement detailed troubling allegations from the detainees, who are reportedly legal residents of Mozambique. According to NIDCOM, the individuals were not only detained without explanation but were also allegedly beaten, robbed of their personal belongings, and are now in urgent need of medical attention due to illness contracted in custody. The Commission further noted that the Mozambican Attorney General’s office is reportedly unaware of any legal basis for the detentions.
Dabiri-Erewa has urged the Mozambican authorities to promptly address the situation, calling on them to either release the detainees immediately or ensure that due process is strictly adhered to. She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of Nigerian citizens abroad.