Nigeria demands release of 42 nationals arrested in Mozambique

The Nigerian government has called for the immediate release of 42 of its citizens reportedly arrested in Mozambique without any charges, raising concerns over what officials described as a possible xenophobic incident.

The appeal was made by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who condemned the arrests and urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees or formally charge them in court if they had committed any offence.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said the detention of the Nigerians without clear accusations was troubling.

“It is distasteful to learn that only Nigerians were allegedly handpicked for arrest,” she said. “If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law.”

Police operation

According to the commission, the Nigerians were reportedly singled out during a raid at a spare parts market, where they were arrested while other traders present were left untouched.

“The reported sudden and specific round-up of only Nigerians depicts a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens,” Dabiri-Erewa said, calling on Mozambican authorities to “immediately release the arrested Nigerians or let the law take its course.”

NiDCOM said the detained individuals have been confirmed as legal residents and that Nigeria’s Attorney-General was reportedly not aware of any charges filed against them.

The commission also cited reports that the detainees were beaten during the arrest, had personal belongings taken and that several had fallen ill while in custody and required medical attention.

Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the detainees while the issue is resolved.