Update From Mozambique: 40 Out Of 42 Nigerians Deported: Due Process Not Followed, Says NIDCOM
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed the deportation of 40 out of 42 Nigerians arrested and locked up for weeks in
Mozambique.
The deportees who arrived in Nigeria in three batches of 13, 16 and 11 respectively aboard a South African Airways flight, SA60 and Ethiopian Airline on March 24, 26 and 27, with two of them remaining in Mozambique.
The Commission noted that the deportation did not follow due process.
A statement by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun described such act as inhuman and a violation of their human rights as they were randomly arrested, detained and deported despite having their proper documentation.
Though, the Mozambique authorities claimed that it was immigration enforcement operations in the capital, Maputo.
Of the two Nigerians left behind, one is married to a Mozambican while the second one was born in Mozambique.
It was learnt that all the money taken from them while in detention were not given back to them upon deportation while huge sums were also taken from their mobile App.
It is saddening that while all of these were going on, the Mozambican authorities did not reach out to the Nigeria Embassy while all emissaries from the Embassy were rebuffed.
It would be recalled that the 42 Nigerians were arrested at their various business locations despite possessing valid residency documents.
Some of those affected alleged that the arrests were carried out without prior notice, insisting they had complied with all legal requirements to live and work in Mozambique.
They further claimed they were detained for several days before being processed for deportation.
While Mozambican authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, the development is likely to raise fresh concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals and the enforcement of immigration regulations in the country.
