The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as “distasteful” and calling for their immediate release.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said the detainees were reportedly picked up without any charges, stressing that it was troubling that only Nigerians were singled out during the operation. She urged Mozambican authorities to either formally charge them in court if any laws were breached or release them without delay.
The NiDCOM boss further described the targeted arrests as suggestive of a xenophobic pattern, noting that the individuals were allegedly rounded up at a spare parts market despite the presence of other nationals.
According to the commission, those detained are said to be legal residents, with reports indicating that no official charges have been filed against them. Some were also allegedly subjected to ill-treatment, had personal belongings confiscated, and required medical attention.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that while Nigeria does not condone unlawful behaviour by its citizens abroad, due process must be followed, insisting that no individual should be held without clear allegations or legal proceedings.
