The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as disturbing and calling for their immediate release.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NiDCOM CEO expressed concern that the Nigerians were allegedly arrested without any specific offence being levelled against them.
She noted that reports indicated that the individuals were singled out and apprehended at a spare parts market despite the presence of other traders and individuals, raising concerns that the incident could amount to a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that if the arrested persons had violated any law, the appropriate authorities should charge them before a court rather than detaining them without explanation.
She therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either release the Nigerians immediately or ensure that due legal process is followed.
According to reports, the arrested Nigerians, who are said to be legal residents, were allegedly assaulted during the operation, had their belongings taken, and several of them have reportedly fallen ill and require medical attention.
The country’s Attorney-General is also said to be unaware of any formal charges against them.