The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the development as disturbing and unjustified.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by NIDCOM’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 the incident as “distasteful,” noting that the individuals were reportedly singled out and detained without explanation, raising concerns of possible xenophobia.
“If they have committed any offence, they should be properly arraigned before a court of law,” she stated.
According to reports, the Nigerians were picked up at a spare parts market, allegedly selected among other traders and individuals present, with no clear reason provided for their detention.
Dabiri-Erewa further emphasized that such targeted action suggests a discriminatory approach.
“The reported sudden and specific round-up of only Nigerians depicts a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens,” she said.
She called on Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or follow due legal process if any wrongdoing is established.
Reports also indicate that the detained Nigerians are legal residents, with no known charges filed against them. Some of the individuals were allegedly subjected to physical assault, had their belongings taken, and are currently in poor health conditions requiring urgent medical attention.
“We urge the authorities to do the needful — either release them or allow the law to take its full course,” Dabiri-Erewa added.