NiDCOM urges Cape Verde to release detained Nigerian tourists
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed to authorities in Cape Verde to immediately release six Nigerian tourists currently detained at an immigration deportation facility on the island.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission expressed deep concern over the treatment of the tourists, who had traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde for vacation.
Upon arrival, the tourists—David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina—were reportedly pulled aside by immigration officials, accused of not having sufficient funds, had their phones confiscated, and were subsequently locked up in an airport detention facility.
NiDCOM noted that the detainees are experiencing significant distress, with one of them said to have a medical condition and no access to necessary medication.
“We appeal to the immigration authorities in Cape Verde to please treat the tourists with respect and dignity and put them on the next immediate return flight to Dakar for onward connection back to Nigeria,” the statement read.
The families of the detained tourists, aged between 25 and 31, have expressed deep concern over the safety and wellbeing of their children.
The incident has been reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further intervention.
The trip was organized by Nigerian travel company Irin Travels, also known online as @irintravels and @theFARAWAY.
