Keypoints:
- Nigeria demands release of 42 citizens arrested in Mozambique
- NiDCOM warns arrests may signal xenophobic targeting
- Detainees reportedly held without formal charges
NIGERIA has called for the immediate release of 42 of its citizens reportedly arrested in Mozambique without formal charges, raising concerns about the legality of the detentions and possible xenophobic targeting.
The appeal was issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), which said the group of Nigerians had been taken into custody during a police operation but had not been accused of any specific offence.
Concerns over treatment of detainees
NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa criticised the arrests and urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees or formally charge them if they were suspected of committing any crime.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by the commission’s spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was troubling that Nigerians appeared to have been singled out during the operation.
‘It is disturbing to learn that only Nigerians were reportedly picked out for arrest,’ she said. ‘If they have violated any laws, they should be properly arraigned before a court of law and charged accordingly.’
The commission said the continued detention of the individuals without clear accusations had raised concerns among Nigerian officials responsible for diaspora affairs.
Market raid sparks controversy
According to NiDCOM, the Nigerians were detained during a police raid at a spare parts market in Mozambique.
The commission said reports indicated that Nigerian traders were specifically targeted during the operation while other merchants present at the market were not detained.
Dabiri-Erewa said the apparent selective arrests could suggest discriminatory treatment.
‘The sudden and specific round-up of only Nigerians suggests what appears to be a xenophobic action against our citizens,’ she said, calling for the situation to be urgently addressed.
Questions over legal basis
NiDCOM said preliminary checks suggested the detained individuals were legally resident in Mozambique, further raising questions about the basis for their arrest.
The commission also noted that Nigeria’s Attorney-General was reportedly unaware of any charges filed against the detainees.
Officials said this lack of clarity had intensified calls for Mozambican authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the arrests and to ensure that due process is followed.
Allegations of abuse in custody
In addition to concerns over legal procedure, the commission cited reports that several detainees were subjected to physical abuse during the arrests.
According to the statement, some Nigerians were allegedly beaten while being taken into custody and had personal belongings seized during the operation.
NiDCOM also said that a number of those detained had fallen ill while in custody and required medical attention.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to prioritise the safety and well-being of the detainees while the matter is being resolved.
Call for diplomatic resolution
The commission said Nigerian officials were closely monitoring developments and working through diplomatic channels to obtain clarification on the arrests.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that Nigeria expected Mozambican authorities to handle the matter in accordance with international legal standards and respect for human rights.
‘We call on the authorities to either release the arrested Nigerians immediately or allow the law to take its course through proper judicial procedures,’ she said.
The incident has renewed attention on the challenges faced by African migrant traders across the continent, where economic competition and immigration enforcement have occasionally led to tensions and accusations of xenophobia.
