The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained silent over the plight of 40 Nigerians deported from Mozambique without due process. Upon arrival in Lagos, the deportees were assured that the federal government, through the ministry, would address their case promptly.

The Nigerians were deported in three batches—13, 16, and 11 persons—via South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 26, and 27, 2026.The deportees had appealed to the federal government for intervention, saying their families remain stranded and in distress. Many reported that Mozambican authorities did not allow them to make financial arrangements for their families or secure their shops at Maputo market before deportation. Several said they are experiencing mental stress following the sudden dislocation.

Earlier, the 42 Nigerian citizens had been detained in Mozambique for 23 days without due legal process. Their shops were raided, and goods confiscated. After a release order was issued by the Judge President of the Criminal Investigation Section of Maputo Province, migration authorities reportedly re-arrested the individuals under the pretext of “screening.” Legal experts have raised concerns, noting that the re-arrest may violate Article 214 of Mozambique’s Constitution, which mandates compliance with court decisions, and the ne bis in idem principle, which prohibits double prosecution for the same offence.

One deportee told Vanguard: “We were detained for up to 25 days in an unknown prison, without family visits. Police seized our money and goods, and we were not informed of any offences. After the court ordered our release, we were handed over to immigration officials and deported in batches without court appearances or legal briefings. Those with medical conditions were not allowed to retrieve prescribed drugs.”

Legal observers are calling for a full public clarification of the incident, warning that failure to do so could undermine the rule of law, legal certainty, and public confidence in justice institutions.

Efforts to obtain updates from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the spokesperson went unanswered. (Vanguard)

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