Nigeria Demands Release of 42 Citizens Detained in Mozambique

Nigeria has called on Mozambican authorities to release 42 Nigerian citizens who were reportedly arrested without charges, in what officials described as a possible xenophobic incident. The detainees, all legal residents, were allegedly singled out during a raid at a spare parts market, with reports of beatings and confiscated belongings. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission urged that they be either released immediately or formally charged and that their safety be ensured.

The Nigerian government has urgently called for the release of 42 Nigerian citizens who were reportedly arrested in Mozambique without any formal charges, raising serious concerns about possible xenophobic actions. The appeal was made by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who condemned the arrests and insisted that Mozambican authorities either release the detainees immediately or formally charge them in court if they had committed any offense.
In a statement issued from Abuja and signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed alarm at the detention of Nigerians without clear accusations, describing it as troubling and unfair. She emphasized that it was particularly concerning that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out for arrest, suggesting discriminatory targeting. She stated, “It is distasteful to learn that only Nigerians were allegedly handpicked for arrest. If they run foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law.”
According to the commission, the Nigerians were arrested during a raid at a spare parts market, while other traders present were not affected. This selective action has been interpreted as a xenophobic attack against Nigerian citizens living in Mozambique. The commission noted that the detained individuals are confirmed legal residents, and Nigeria’s Attorney-General has reportedly not been informed of any charges against them.
Reports further indicated that some of the detainees were beaten during the arrest, had their personal belongings confiscated, and that several fell ill while in custody, requiring medical attention. Dabiri-Erewa called on Mozambican authorities to ensure the safety, well-being, and fair treatment of the detainees while the situation is being resolved, highlighting the urgent need for justice and protection for the affected Nigerians.