The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed the deportation of 40 out of 42 Nigerians arrested and detained in Mozambique, describing the process as a violation of their fundamental human rights.
The commission disclosed that the affected Nigerians were returned to the country in three batches, arriving on March 24, 26, and 27. According to NIDCOM, the deportees came in groups of 13, 16, and 11 aboard South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines.
Two of the arrested individuals, however, remain in Mozambique due to special circumstances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NIDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, criticised the manner in which the deportation was carried out, describing it as inhumane and lacking due process.
He stated that many of the Nigerians were allegedly arrested at random from their places of business despite possessing valid residency documents.
While Mozambican authorities reportedly cited immigration-related issues as the basis for the arrests, documents presented by the deportees suggested that they had fulfilled all legal requirements to live and work in the country.
Some of the returnees, who were received by NIDCOM officials in Lagos, also alleged that their money and valuables were not returned upon deportation. They further claimed that funds were withdrawn from their mobile applications while they were in detention.
The commission expressed concern that Mozambican authorities allegedly failed to notify the Nigerian Embassy during the arrests and detention, adding that attempts by embassy officials to intervene were reportedly unsuccessful.
According to the deportees, they were detained for several days before being processed for deportation, raising further concerns about their treatment while in custody.
Of the two Nigerians yet to be deported, one is reportedly married to a Mozambican citizen, while the other was born in the country.
Meanwhile, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm following reports of violence against some citizens during a cultural festival.
She described the incident as a possible result of misunderstanding and misinterpretation, noting that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is currently investigating the matter.
Dabiri-Erewa urged restraint among all parties, assuring that appropriate action would be taken upon the conclusion of investigations.
As of the time of filing this report, Mozambican authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the deportation.
The development has sparked renewed concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals and the enforcement of immigration laws in the Southern African country.
