Mozambique Ignored Due Process In Nigerians' Arrest, Deportation — NIDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has faulted the deportation of 40 Nigerians from Mozambique, declaring that the exercise failed to follow due process. The Commission disclosed that the affected Nigerians, who were arrested and detained for weeks, were returned to the country in three batches of 13, 16, and 11 persons between March 24 and March 27. Two others currently remain in Mozambique, one of whom is married to a citizen and another born in the country.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NIDCOM described the development as a violation of established procedures and the fundamental rights of the affected individuals. The Commission noted that the deportees were allegedly arrested at their business premises in Maputo without prior notice, despite possessing valid residency and work documents. NIDCOM further lamented that officials of the Nigerian Embassy were denied access to the detainees, as all efforts to establish contact were rebuffed by Mozambican authorities.

Beyond procedural lapses, the Commission raised serious concerns over reports that money confiscated from the Nigerians during detention was not returned, with some victims alleging that additional funds were withdrawn from their mobile banking applications. While Mozambican authorities reportedly maintained that the arrests were part of routine immigration enforcement, NIDCOM insisted that such actions must respect the rights of foreign nationals. The Nigerian government is expected to continue engaging diplomatically to address these grievances and ensure the protection of its citizens abroad.