Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as unjust and disturbing.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern that the Nigerians were allegedly arrested without any formal charges.
She described it as “distasteful” that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation, warned that such actions suggest a xenophobic motive against Nigerian citizens.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that if the arrested individuals had violated any laws, they should be properly arraigned before a competent court rather than being detained without explanation.
She called on Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure due process is followed in accordance with the law.
According to available reports, the Nigerians were arrested at a spare parts market, where they were allegedly singled out from other traders without any clear justification. The detainees are said to be legal residents, with indications that even the Attorney General is unaware of any charges against them.
The statement further alleged that the individuals were subjected to physical assault, had their belongings confiscated, and are currently facing health challenges, with some reportedly in urgent need of medical attention.
Dabiri-Erewa urged swift intervention to safeguard the rights and welfare of the affected Nigerians.
