The Federal Government has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique and called for their immediate release.
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as unacceptable, raising concerns that the individuals were allegedly detained without any formal charges.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed worry that Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation.
She said it was disturbing that only Nigerians were targeted, stressing that if any of them had violated Mozambican laws, they should be taken before a court rather than being detained without explanation.
Dabiri-Erewa described the incident as troubling and suggested that the alleged selective arrest could amount to xenophobia against Nigerian citizens.
She therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or follow due legal procedures by formally charging them in court.
According to the statement, the Nigerians were reportedly picked up at a spare parts market where they were singled out among other traders and individuals without any clear allegation or reason for their arrest.
The Commission also said the detained individuals have been confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney General was reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them.
NiDCOM further alleged that some of the Nigerians were beaten, had their belongings confiscated, and several are currently ill and in need of medical attention.
The Commission reiterated its call for fair treatment and respect for the rights of Nigerians living abroad.
