The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has called on authorities in Mozambique to ensure due legal process for 42 Nigerian citizens reportedly detained in the country, demanding clear explanations regarding the circumstances surrounding their arrest.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said Mozambican authorities confirmed that the individuals in custody were Nigerians but had yet to officially communicate the reasons for their detention.
The commission also expressed concern that the Nigerian High Commission in Mozambique had not been formally notified about the arrests, despite reports suggesting that the detainees might have been held over alleged immigration-related issues.
Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the commission has received several distress calls from family members of the detainees who are worried about their safety and well-being. She alleged that the Nigerians had their mobile phones, money and other personal belongings confiscated at the time of their arrest.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that while the Nigerian government does not support criminal behaviour by its citizens abroad, anyone accused of wrongdoing must be treated in line with the law. She therefore urged Mozambican authorities to either formally charge the detainees in court if they committed any offence or release them immediately.
The commission further noted that the Nigerians were reportedly singled out during a raid at a spare parts market, raising concerns among diaspora groups that the arrests may have been targeted.
NIDCOM said it will continue to engage with the Nigerian High Commission and Mozambican authorities to ensure that the detained citizens are treated fairly and their rights protected while diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the matter.
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