The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as a targeted and potentially xenophobic attack.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed grave concern over reports that the individuals were handpicked for arrest without any formal charges.
The Nigerians were reportedly rounded up at a spare parts market while other traders and individuals present were left untouched.
According to NIDCOM, the arrested Nigerians are documented legal residents of Mozambique.
Reports from the scene indicate that the detainees were physically assaulted, their personal belongings stolen, and many are now in urgent need of medical attention after falling ill in custody.
The NIDCOM boss noted that the Mozambican Attorney General is reportedly unaware of any charges against the group, further fueling suspicions of profiling.
Dabiri-Erewa characterized the “sudden and specific” roundup of only Nigerians as distasteful and urged the Mozambican authorities to either arraign the individuals if they have committed any offense or release them immediately.
”If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law,” she stated. “The reported specific roundup of only Nigerians depicts a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.”
The Commission has called on the Mozambican government to let the law take its course transparently and to ensure the safety and medical care of those currently in detention.