Thirteen Nigerians deported from Mozambique without formal charges have sparked outrage and raised fresh concerns over the treatment of citizens abroad.
The deportees were part of a group of 42 Nigerians earlier arrested in Maputo. Although Mozambican authorities cited documentation issues, most of those affected reportedly held valid travel and residence permits.
Only one individual was said to have an expired visa, which lapsed just a day before the deportation.
The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a South African Airways flight, where they were received by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr Dipo Odebowale described the deportation as unfair and called for diplomatic engagement.
He expressed hope that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs would take up the matter with Mozambican authorities to seek clarity and resolution.
The deportees recounted being arrested at their business locations in Maputo and detained despite having valid documentation permitting their stay.
They also disclosed that 29 Nigerians remain in detention in the Mozambican capital, urging the Nigerian government to intervene urgently.
All 13 returnees, who are adult males, appealed to NiDCOM to help them seek justice and redress for what they described as wrongful treatment.
Dabiri-Erewa, while sympathising with their ordeal, urged Nigerians abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries. She stressed, however, that no citizen should face punishment without committing an offence.
