The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians at a spare parts market in Mozambique and called for their immediate release.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as disturbing, noting that no offence has reportedly been levelled against the affected Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday and signed by the agency’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was “distasteful” that Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest.
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She added that if the detainees had violated any law, the authorities should charge them before a court.
“If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law,” she said, adding that the reported selective arrest of Nigerians depicts a “xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.”
Dabiri-Erewa urged the Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure that due process is followed.
According to reports, the Nigerians were specifically singled out and arrested at the spare parts market, without any explanation for their detention.
The arrested individuals are confirmed to be legal residents, and the Attorney General is reportedly not aware of any charges against them.
The statement added that the detainees were allegedly beaten, had their personal belongings stolen, and that many fell ill and were in need of medical attention.
Dabiri-Erewa called on Mozambican authorities to address the situation promptly and ensure the safety and rights of the affected Nigerians