NIDCOM Condemns Mozambique Over Deportation of Nigerians

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has strongly criticised the government of Mozambique over the deportation of 40 Nigerians, describing the process as inhumane and a violation of their rights.

The commission confirmed that the affected individuals were among the 42 Nigerians who were earlier arrested and detained in Mozambique. Of the total, 40 have now been deported to Nigeria in three batches via international flights between March 24 and 27, while two individuals remain in the country.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission faulted the deportation process, alleging that it did not follow due process. It noted that many of the deportees reportedly possessed valid residency documents at the time of their arrest.

The Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also expressed concern over the development, particularly the alleged failure of Mozambican authorities to engage Nigerian diplomatic officials during the process.

According to the commission, the Nigerians were arrested at their business locations without prior notice and detained for several days before being deported. It was further alleged that money confiscated from the individuals during detention was not returned, while additional funds were reportedly withdrawn from their mobile applications.

Mozambican authorities, however, have reportedly described the action as part of routine immigration enforcement in the capital, Maputo.

NIDCOM disclosed that one of the two Nigerians still in Mozambique is married to a citizen of the country, while the other was born there, raising additional concerns about their situation.

The incident is expected to heighten diplomatic concerns over the treatment of Nigerians abroad and the enforcement of immigration laws affecting foreign nationals.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale