NiDCOM seeks release of six Nigerian tourists detained in Cape Verde

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed concern over the detention of six Nigerian tourists in Cape Verde and is seeking their immediate release

 

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has raised concern regarding the detention of six Nigerian tourists by immigration authorities in Cape Verde and is actively seeking their release.

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According to a statement released by the commission on its X handle on Wednesday, the group of tourists traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde for a vacation.

Upon arrival, they were stopped by immigration officials who accused them of lacking sufficient funds and subsequently confiscated their mobile phones.

“The attention of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has been drawn to a case of 6 Nigerian tourists who travelled from Senegal to Cape Verde Island on a vacation. On arrival at Cape Verde, they were pulled out of the line. They were accused of not having enough funds, and their phones were confiscated. They were subsequently locked up in an immigration deportation camp at the airport,” the NiDCOM statement read.

The tourists have been identified as David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina. They are reportedly being held in an immigration deportation camp at the airport.

NiDCOM stated that reports indicate the group is facing distress, with one member allegedly suffering from a medical condition and being denied access to necessary medication.

The commission has called on the Cape Verdean immigration authorities to handle the matter with “respect and dignity” and to facilitate their immediate return to Dakar for onward connection back to Nigeria.

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“The families of the tourists, aged between 25 and 31, are said to be deeply worried about their safety and well-being. The case has been officially reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is expected to engage with Cape Verdean authorities on the issue,” the statement added.