The Federal Government yesterday protested against the “inhuman” deportation of 40 Nigerian spare parts dealers by Mozambique. Initially, reports claimed that Mozambican authorities detained 42 Nigerian spare parts traders because they were involved in selling stolen car parts. But the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) later clarified that the Nigerians were arrested because they were staying illegally in the Southern African nation.

The police body responsible for serious organised crime investigations said the traders “may be deported or fined, depending on each case” for living in Mozambique illegally.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed the deportation of the Nigerians from Mozambique, describing the action as a violation of due process and human rights. In a statement, Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said they were deported to the country in three batches on March 24, 26, and 27 via South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, with two individuals remaining in Mozambique. She insisted many of the deportees had valid residency documentation.

NiDOM said: “The deportation did not follow due process. Those affected were ‘randomly arrested, detained and deported despite having proper documentation.” It added: “It was learnt that all the money taken from them while in detention was not given back to them upon deportation, while huge sums were also taken from their mobile app.

“It is saddening that while all of these were going on, the Mozambican authorities did not reach out to the Nigerian Embassy, while all emissaries from the Embassy were rebuffed.”

Some of the deportees alleged that the arrests were carried out without prior notice and insisted they had complied with all legal requirements to live and work in Mozambique. “They were detained for several days before being processed for deportation,” the statement said.