The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed that 13 out of 42 Nigerians earlier arrested in Mozambique have been deported, despite no formal charges or offences being brought against them.
The development follows an earlier appeal by the Federal Government urging Mozambican authorities to either release the detained Nigerians or charge them in accordance with due legal process.
Chairperson of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had made the demand on behalf of Nigeria.
Providing an update on Friday, NIDCOM disclosed that the deported individuals were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Dabiri-Erewa was represented at the reception by Mr. Dipo Odebowale.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the returnees were welcomed back and offered support following what was described as a distressing experience.
According to the deportees, they were arrested at their various business locations in Maputo and detained without committing any crime. They maintained that they possessed valid documentation permitting their stay in Mozambique at the time of arrest.
The group also revealed that 29 Nigerians remain in detention in Maputo and called for urgent intervention from Nigerian authorities to secure their release.
The statement noted that all deported individuals were adult males who are now seeking justice and redress for what they described as unfair treatment.
Although Mozambican authorities reportedly claimed the Nigerians lacked proper documentation, the deportees insisted that all but one—whose visa expired just a day before deportation—had complete and valid papers.
Reacting to the situation, Dabiri-Erewa condemned the treatment of the Nigerians, describing it as unjust. She expressed concern over allegations that Nigerians were specifically targeted during the arrests.
She further stated confidence that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would engage its Mozambican counterpart to address the issue.
While urging Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that no citizen should face punishment for offences they did not commit.
