Authorities in Cape Verde have come under scrutiny after six Nigerian tourists were detained upon arrival, prompting the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to demand their immediate release.
On April 16, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for NiDCOM, disclosed in an official release that the individuals had traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde on a vacation but were intercepted at the airport.
Immigration officers allegedly removed them from the entry line, accused them of insufficient financial proof, confiscated their phones, and took them into custody.
Detained in what have been described as troubling conditions, the group all between 25 and 31 years old reportedly lack access to legal or consular help.
One of the detainees is reportedly unwell and unable to access his necessary medication.
NiDCOM has called for the tourists to be treated with dignity and swiftly flown back to Senegal, their point of departure, for onward travel back to Nigeria.
The individuals in question are David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina.
Their travel plans were arranged through a Nigerian agency known as Ìrìn Travels, which has since raised alarms over their detention.
Family members are also sounding the alarm, urging Nigerian authorities and global rights groups to intervene and ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
NiDCOM confirmed that the case has been escalated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the appropriate consular channels.
The Commission stressed that all host countries must respect international laws and uphold the rights of visiting foreigners.
No official response has been received yet from Cape Verdean immigration regarding the ongoing detention.