By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed the deportation of 40 out of 42 Nigerians arrested and locked up for weeks in Mozambique.
In the same vein, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Commission has advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm as the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa is looking into allegations of violence meted on some Nigerians celebrating a cultural festival in the country.
Dabiri-Erewa said it must have been a serious case of misconception and misinterpretation, urging both sides to remain calm as the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter.
On the deportees from Mozambique, NIDCOM revealed that they arrived in Nigeria in three batches of 13, 16 and 11 respectively aboard a South African Airways flight, SA60 and Ethiopian Airline on March 24, 26 and 27, with two of them remaining in Mozambique.
The Commission noted with regret that the deportation did not follow due process.
A statement by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun described such act as “inhuman and a violation of their human rights” as they were randomly arrested, detained and deported despite having their proper documentation.
Though, the Mozambique authorities claimed immigration issues, but documents provided by the Nigerians showed otherwise
Some of the deportees who were received by NIDCOM staff in Lagos claimed that their money and some other valuables taken from them while in detention were not given back to them upon deportation, while huge sums were also taken from their mobile App.
“It is saddening that while all of these were going on, the Mozambican authorities did not reach out to the Nigerian Embassy while all emissaries from the Embassy were rebuffed”, the statement said.
It would be recalled that the 42 Nigerians were arrested at their various business locations despite possessing valid residency documents.
Some of those affected alleged that the arrests were carried out without prior notice, insisting they had complied with all legal requirements to live and work in Mozambique.
They further claimed they were detained for several days before being processed for deportation.
Of the two Nigerians not deported, one is married to a Mozambican while the other was born there
While Mozambican authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, the development is likely to raise fresh concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals and the enforcement of immigration regulations in the country.
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