Forty of the forty-two Nigerians who were arrested and held for weeks in Mozambique have been deported, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), which has described the procedure as a breach of their fundamental human rights.
As worries about the deportees’ treatment in the Southern African nation grew, it was understood that they were sent back to Nigeria in three groups.
The commission claims that the impacted Nigerians entered the nation on Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways flight SA60 on March 24, 26, and 27, respectively, in groups of 13, 16, and 11.
However, because of unique circumstances, two of the Nigerians who were arrested are still in Mozambique.
“Process Didn’t Adhere to Due Process”
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission’s spokesperson, called the expulsion “inhuman” in a statement released on Tuesday.
He claimed that despite having legitimate documentation, the impacted Nigerians were arbitrarily detained, arrested, and deported.
Documents provided by the deportees suggested otherwise, despite Mozambican authorities allegedly citing immigration concerns.
After being deported, some of the returnees claimed that their money and other possessions had not been given back to them by NIDCOM officials in Lagos.
They added that while they were detained, significant amounts were taken out of their mobile applications.
The Mozambican authorities’ alleged failure to notify the Nigerian Embassy during the arrests and imprisonment was another issue raised by the panel.
It also stated that attempts by diplomatic representatives to step in were allegedly turned down.
Despite having legitimate resident cards, the 42 Nigerians were reportedly detained at their various places of work.
Some of them insisted that they had fulfilled with all legal requirements to reside and work in Mozambique and that the arrests had been made without warning.
They further stated that they were held for a number of days prior to being deported.
One of the two Nigerians who have not yet been deported is married to a citizen of Mozambique, while the other was born there.
Dabiri-Erewa Demands South Africa’s Calm
Following accusations of violence against certain Nigerians during a cultural celebration, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to maintain composure.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa was already looking into the event, she said, adding that it was probably the result of “misconception and misinterpretation.”
Dabiri-Erewa urged everyone to exercise moderation while promising to take the necessary actions after the investigations were finished.
Mozambican authorities have not yet released a formal statement regarding the deportation as of the time this news was filed.
It is anticipated that this development would give rise to new worries regarding how foreigners are treated and how the nation’s immigration regulations are enforced.
