By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM has confirmed the deportation of 40 out of 42 Nigerians who were arrested and detained for weeks in Mozambique.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission however stressed that the deportation did not follow due process, adding that the action was inhuman and a violation of the victims’ fundamental human rights.
In the same vein, the Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm amid reports of violence against some nationals during a cultural celebration.
She stated that the incident may have stemmed from a serious misconception and misinterpretation, noting that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is already engaging relevant authorities to address the situation.
On the deportation, the Commission disclosed that the affected Nigerians were returned to the country in three batches of 13, 16, and 11 aboard South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 26, and 27, respectively, while two others remain in Mozambique.
NIDCOM noted that the deportation did not follow due process, stressing that those affected were randomly arrested, detained, and deported despite possessing valid documentation, although Mozambican authorities cited immigration-related issues, documents presented by the deportees reportedly contradicted the claims.
Some of the returnees, who were received by NIDCOM officials in Lagos, alleged that money and other valuables confiscated during detention were not returned, while additional funds were reportedly withdrawn from their mobile applications.
The Commission expressed concern that Mozambican authorities failed to notify the Nigerian Embassy throughout the process, adding that attempts by embassy officials to intervene were rebuffed.
It would be recalled that the 42 Nigerians were arrested at their business premises despite holding valid residency permits. Some of the affected individuals maintained that the arrests were carried out without prior notice and that they had fulfilled all legal requirements to live and work in Mozambique. They also claimed they were held for several days before being deported.
Of the two Nigerians not deported, one is married to a Mozambican citizen, while the other was born in the country.
While Mozambican authorities are yet to issue an official statement, the incident is expected to heighten concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals and the enforcement of immigration laws in the country.
