Nigerians deported from Mozambique as 13 return home and 29 remain detained, sparking concerns over alleged unfair treatment

Thirteen Nigerians have been deported from Mozambique, while 29 others remain in detention in Maputo, raising concerns over alleged unfair treatment and prompting calls for urgent diplomatic intervention.

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The Nigerians deported from Mozambique arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday aboard a South African Airways flight, according to a statement issued by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the deportees were part of a group of 42 Nigerians initially arrested by Mozambican authorities, reportedly over documentation issues.

However, the returnees insisted that most of them possessed valid residence permits, with only one individual said to have an expired visa shortly before deportation.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the agency’s representative, Dipo Odebowale, criticised the handling of the arrests, describing the situation as unjust and calling for diplomatic engagement.

“These Nigerians were not fairly treated by the Mozambican authorities. We are hopeful that the Minister of Foreign Affairs will take up this matter to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

The deportees recounted that they were arrested at their workplaces in Maputo without prior notice or explanation, despite operating legally.

They maintained that they had not committed any offence warranting detention or deportation.

“We were picked up from our workplaces without explanation and detained, even though we had valid documents allowing us to stay and operate in Mozambique,” one of the returnees said.

They also appealed to the Federal Government to secure the release of the remaining 29 Nigerians still in custody, insisting that those detained were innocent.

In response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission expressed sympathy for the deportees and assured them of continued support in pursuing redress.

The commission reiterated the importance of Nigerians abroad complying with the laws of their host countries while emphasising that due process must be observed.

“No Nigerian should be punished for an offence they did not commit,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

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The incident underscores growing concerns over the treatment of Nigerians abroad and highlights the need for swift diplomatic action to resolve the situation and safeguard the rights of affected citizens.