Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed that 40 Nigerians arrested in Mozambique have been deported back to Nigeria, despite reportedly possessing valid residency documents.
Gatekeepers News reports that the deportees who are part of a group of 42 Nigerians, were returned in three batches on March 24, 26, and 27 via international flights, while two individuals remain in Mozambique.
In a statement issued by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission’s spokesperson, NIDCOM described the deportation as a violation of due process and the rights of the affected Nigerians. The individuals were allegedly arrested at their business premises and detained for several days before being deported.
The commission noted that although Mozambican authorities cited immigration-related issues, documents presented by the deportees suggested they were legally resident in the country. Some of the returnees also claimed that money and valuables were taken from them during detention and not returned.
NIDCOM further criticised the Mozambican authorities for failing to engage with the Nigerian embassy during the incident, stating that attempts by diplomatic officials to intervene were reportedly ignored.
The commission said one of the Nigerians still in Mozambique is married to a Mozambican citizen, while another was born in the country, raising further concerns over the handling of the case.
