NIDCOM to collate data of wrongfully imprisoned Nigerians abroad

The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has disclosed that efforts are underway to compile a detailed list of Nigerians wrongfully arrested and incarcerated abroad.

This is coming against the backdrop of the jailing of six Nigerians convicted for financing Boko Haram insurgency by the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking with members of a non-governmental organisation, the Counselling and Rehabilitation of Prisoners Initiative in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said that the commission had been to several countries including Brazil, South-Africa, Togo and Benin Republic to facilitate the release of Nigerians who were wrongfully jailed.

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According to a statement on Tuesday by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, NIDCOM, the chairman highlighted a situation in Brazil where a 74-year old woman wrongfully arrested was rescued by the commission.

The woman was said to have died afterwards.

The statement titled, ‘NIDCOM collaborates with CAROPI to help innocent Nigerians incarcerated in the diaspora,’ stated, “The NIDCOM boss stated that as Nigerians travel out of their home country, they should avoid committing crimes or participating in criminality. She welcomed the CAROPI team and assured them of collaborative partnerships with NIDCOM.”

The President of CAROPI, Hajiya Rabia Cengis explained that many Nigerians have been victims of wrongful arrest and incarceration in many of the countries she had travelled to, noting that this must be addressed forthwith.

Other members of the team expressed interest in a robust working relationship with NIDCOM in the areas of legal assistance, reintegration and rehabilitation and a conducive environment for justice and equity for all.

Those on the CAROPI delegation include the head of medical department, Mrs Victoria Nor-Ugor, head of legal dept, Justice Uhuegbu and the Secretary, Mr Shiver Akuku.

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