The government of Nigeria has called for the immediate release of 42 of its citizens reportedly detained in Mozambique without formal charges, expressing concern that the arrests may have been motivated by xenophobia.
The appeal was made by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, who urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees or formally prosecute them if any laws had been violated.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa described the situation as troubling, noting that the individuals were reportedly arrested during a police raid at a spare-parts market where only Nigerians were allegedly singled out.
“It is disturbing to learn that only Nigerians were reportedly handpicked for arrest,” she said, stressing that any suspected wrongdoing should be handled through proper legal procedures.
According to NiDCOM, the detained individuals are confirmed legal residents in Mozambique. Officials also said Nigeria’s Attorney-General had not been informed of any formal charges filed against them.
The commission further cited reports that some detainees were beaten during the operation, had personal belongings confiscated and that several required medical attention after falling ill in custody.
Dabiri-Erewa called on Mozambican authorities to guarantee the safety and well-being of the Nigerians while the matter is being resolved and reiterated Nigeria’s demand for transparency regarding the arrests.
