Rising Concerns Over Continuous Attacks and Humiliation of Nigerians Abroad

As Nigerians continue to emigrate in large numbers due to ongoing economic hardships, there are growing concerns over the frequent attacks and humiliation they face in foreign countries.

In recent months, numerous reports have emerged of Nigerians being mistreated abroad, even in other African nations. Despite cries for justice from their loved ones, these pleas often go unanswered.

Over the past seven years, more than 350 Nigerians have been murdered extrajudicially in foreign countries. Many fell victim to non-state actors with no justifiable reasons for their deaths.

One notable incident occurred on June 26, 2024, when protests erupted outside the Republic of Benin Embassy in Abuja. Nigerians, particularly youths, demanded the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a cleric from Cross River State detained in Benin for over a year on rape charges by a Beninese citizen. Egbaji has been held without trial and subjected to harsh conditions, including being chained in a hospital.

The protesters condemned Egbaji’s prolonged detention without due process and lack of a fair trial. In response to such injustices, the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari established the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to address the mistreatment and welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly those unjustly imprisoned.

NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa revealed in 2022 that 13 Nigerian students had been killed in Northern Cyprus over six years. In July 2022, the murder of 39-year-old Nigerian Alika Ogorchukwu in Italy shocked the nation. Ogorchukwu was beaten to death on a busy street, witnessed by onlookers. That same month, Nigerian security guards Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe and Chibueze Momah were gunned down in Vaughan, Canada. Another Nigerian, Chizoba Favour Eze, died in an Ethiopian prison after being brutally beaten by officials and left untreated.

In South Africa, Nigerians have faced relentless xenophobic attacks, with over 200 killed extrajudicially since 2016. Many others languish in foreign prisons for minor or unproven offenses. In 2021, the Patriotic Citizens Initiatives (PCI) reported that 170,000 Nigerians were imprisoned abroad, up from 16,300 in 2012, with 6,500 on death row. China, Canada, the UK, India, and Indonesia are among the countries holding Nigerian prisoners.

In Benin Republic alone, over 3,000 Nigerians are incarcerated. Ayobamidele Kehinde, International Director for Dynamic Ambassadors For Social Transformation and Orientation Initiative, highlighted the plight of Nigerians like Benjamin Egbaji, stating that many are imprisoned without cause or for minor offenses.

Kehinde urged global awareness and action, emphasizing that Nigerians in Benin Republic are often unjustly imprisoned simply for being Nigerian. He recounted a warning from a local businessman about the dangers Nigerians face in Benin Republic.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun of NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit attributed many cases to communication gaps and lack of respect for foreign laws. He cited an incident in Dubai where a Nigerian woman was imprisoned for taking photos at the airport, violating local laws.

Regarding Pastor Egbaji, Balogun confirmed that the Nigerian government is monitoring the case to ensure his rights are protected. He acknowledged receiving a letter from Egbaji’s lawyer in March 2024 and assured that Nigerian lawyers are involved to prevent violations of his fundamental human rights.

Balogun expressed surprise at reports of Egbaji’s deteriorating health and inhumane treatment, emphasizing that the Nigerian government is committed to supporting him legally.