Nigerians deported after weeks of detention – aimnews.org

Maputo 1 Apr (AIM) – 40 of the 42 Nigerian citizens who were detained in Mozambique weeks ago were deported to their country of origin.

The individuals had been detained by the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) as part of an operation that aimed to dismantle a network selling stolen vehicle parts.

SERNIC further alleged that the Nigerian citizens were detained because they were in the country illegally.

The NGO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) confirmed the deportation of 40 citizens, while two others remain in Mozambique.

According to NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman, the citizens in question arrived in Nigeria in three batches of 13, 16 and 11 respectively.

NIDCOM alleges that the deportation did not follow due process as “their human rights were violated after they were randomly arrested, detained and deported despite having adequate documentation.”

According to the organization, some of the deportees who were received by NIDCOM staff in Lagos alleged that their money and other valuables were stolen from them while they were detained.

“Things were taken from them and were not returned to them at the time of deportation. Huge sums were also taken from their mobile applications. It is sad that while all this was happening, the Mozambican authorities did not contact the Nigerian Embassy, ​​while all embassy emissaries were turned away,” said a NIDCOM spokesperson.
(AIM)
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