Dare Babalola
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has condemned the deportation of Nigerian nationals from Mozambique, revealing that 40 out of 42 individuals earlier arrested have now been returned to the country under what it described as questionable circumstances.
The commission said the process fell short of internationally accepted procedures, raising concerns over the treatment meted out to the affected citizens.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the agency characterised the action as unjust and degrading, insisting that the deportees were denied due process.
It disclosed that the Nigerians were flown back home in three separate groups—13, 16 and 11—on different dates in March via South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
“The deportation did not follow due process. Those affected were randomly arrested, detained and deported despite having proper documentation,” the statement read.
NIDCOM further stated that Mozambican authorities attributed the arrests to routine immigration enforcement in the capital, Maputo, but faulted the lack of communication with Nigerian diplomatic officials throughout the ordeal.
It noted that attempts by the Nigerian Embassy to intervene were ignored, describing the situation as troubling.
The commission added that two Nigerians are still in Mozambique—one with familial ties through marriage to a citizen and another believed to have been born there.
Beyond the deportation process, the agency also raised allegations of financial impropriety, claiming that funds seized from the detainees were not returned, with additional withdrawals reportedly made from their mobile accounts.
The affected individuals, many of whom were apprehended at their business premises, maintained they had complied with residency laws and were detained for days without formal charges before their removal.
The development follows an earlier update from the commission indicating that an initial group of 13 Nigerians had been deported, while others remained in custody.
Those first returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 27 without any charges filed against them.
While Mozambican officials reportedly argued that the individuals lacked proper documentation, the deportees insisted that, aside from one case of an expired visa, they possessed valid permits to reside and work in the country.
