Dabiri-Erewa Pleads with Cape Verde to Release Detained Nigerian Tourists
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on the authorities in Cape Verde to release five Nigerian tourists who were arrested for allegedly failing to meet the immigration entry requirements.
The five individuals who were arrested—David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina—had been on an organized group trip booked by Nigerian tour agency ìrìn travels, as well as on their social media accounts @irintravels and @theFARAWAY. After arriving, the individuals were allegedly arrested and presented at an immigration detention facility for entering the nation without what was described by the authorities as “sufficient funds.”
Responding to the incidence, Dabiri-Erewa, through a statement by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Publicity, and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, demanded that Cape Verdean authorities receive the detained Nigerians with respect and expedite their return to Nigeria. She demanded their urgent release and that they be taken on the available flight to Dakar, Senegal, from where they should proceed to Nigeria.
“This is of serious concern,” the chairman of NiDCOM stated. “Cape Verde, being a member state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), should follow the spirit of regional integration, especially the right of free movement of citizens among the ECOWAS community.”
The incident has triggered fresh controversy regarding the handling of Nigerians traveling within the African continent and the effectiveness of ECOWAS agreements facilitating easy regional integration.
Travel company ìrìn travels also admitted the occurrence of the incident in a public notice that there were efforts being taken in liaison with the Nigerian embassy in Dakar and NiDCOM to the safe repatriation of affected tourists. The company has come under scrutiny and public outcry for the preparedness of the journey and well-being of participating tourists.
This follows a growing number of complaints by Nigerian citizens who have faced problems while traveling between African countries, raising questions about regional diplomatic relations and the protection of citizens abroad.
Though diplomatic arrangements are still engaging in negotiations with Cape Verdean officials, the affected families and human rights associations are watching carefully, hopelessly anticipating an early and peaceful solution.
