Forty-two Nigerians arrested in Mozambique are being held without charges, prompting Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa to demand their immediate release.
The Nigerians arrested in Mozambique were specifically singled out from a busy spare parts market on March 8, 2026.
No allegations or explanations have been given for their detention.
I am deeply concerned about the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique without any charges. I strongly condemn this development and call for their immediate release or that they be properly charged in accordance with the law. Reports that only Nigerians were singled out for arrest are troubling and raise serious concerns. Our citizens deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness wherever they are. I urge the Mozambican authorities to do the right thing and ensure justice is served.
Mozambican authorities allegedly handpicked only Nigerians from among all traders present at the market.
All Nigerians arrested in Mozambique have been confirmed as legal residents in the country.
Mozambique’s Attorney General is reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them. Dabiri-Erewa described the selective targeting of Nigerians arrested in Mozambique as a clear xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.
Condemnation
In another statement signed by NIDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun Dabiri-Erewa called the targeted round-up distasteful and demanded that Mozambican authorities either release the Nigerians arrested in Mozambique immediately or charge them before a competent court of law.
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She stressed that detaining legal residents without cause is unacceptable under any legal standard.
Condition
The Nigerians arrested in Mozambique were reportedly beaten during their detention and had personal belongings stolen.
Many have since fallen ill and urgently need medical attention. NIDCOM has urged Mozambican authorities to release all Nigerians arrested in Mozambique without further delay and ensure they receive adequate medical care immediately.
