Nigerians Behind Bars In Cape Verde: NIDCOM Breaks Silence, Calls For Swift Repatriation

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Cape Verdean authorities to ensure the safe return of six Nigerian tourists currently being detained in the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement released by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM, the Nigerian travelers were allegedly singled out upon arrival on Cape Verde Island. They were accused of lacking sufficient funds, had their phones seized, and were subsequently held at an immigration detention facility at the airport.

NIDCOM expressed concern over the treatment of the tourists, noting reports that they were distressed, and that one among them was facing a medical emergency without access to necessary medication.

Part of the statement reads:
“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has received reports regarding six Nigerian tourists who traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde for a vacation. Upon arrival, they were pulled from the queue, accused of not having enough money, and had their phones confiscated. They were later detained in an immigration deportation facility at the airport.”

“Updates from the detention center indicate that the group is facing emotional and physical distress. One of the individuals has a medical condition and has been denied access to his medication.”

“We respectfully urge Cape Verdean immigration authorities to treat these Nigerians with dignity and arrange for their immediate return to Dakar, so they can proceed back home to Nigeria.”

The commission also revealed that the detainees — David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina — are between the ages of 25 and 31. Their families are reportedly anxious and concerned for their safety.

The travel arrangements were made through ìrìn travels (@irintravels) and (@theFARAWAY), while the case has been formally reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.