From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed the deportation of 40 out of 42 Nigerians arrested in Mozambique, describing the process as inhuman and a violation of fundamental human rights.
The commission disclosed that the affected Nigerians were returned to the country in three batches—13, 16 and 11—via South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 26 and 27.
According to NIDCOM, two of those arrested remain in Mozambique, including one individual married to a Mozambican citizen and another who was born in the country.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, criticised the arrests, describing them as arbitrary despite claims that the affected Nigerians possessed valid residency documents.
The deportees, who were received by NIDCOM officials in Lagos, alleged that Mozambican authorities confiscated their money, valuables and funds stored on mobile applications without returning them.
They also claimed that officials ignored efforts by the Nigerian Embassy to intervene, rejecting emissaries sent to engage with them.
NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the deportation process failed to follow established diplomatic and legal procedures.
“The deportation did not follow due process. It is saddening that while all of these were going on, the Mozambican authorities did not reach out to the Nigerian Embassy,” he said.
The commission stated that the Nigerians were arrested at their business premises without prior notice, detained for several days and subsequently deported over alleged immigration violations—claims the deportees insist were contradicted by their valid documents.
In a related development, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm following reports of violence targeting individuals celebrating a cultural festival.
She described the incident as likely stemming from misunderstanding or misinterpretation, adding that the Nigerian High Commission in the country was investigating the situation.
Mozambican authorities have yet to issue an official response to the allegations, even as concerns continue to mount over the treatment of foreign nationals in the country.
The aspirant promised to improve transportation through expanded rail systems and modernised Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) networks.
He said environmental sustainability, transparency and grassroots engagement would define his administration’s approach to governance.
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