NIDCOM Speaks On Nigerians In Indian Prisons, Reveals FG’s Next Move

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has provided an update on the situation of Nigerians serving sentences or being held in prisons and detention facilities across India, saying the Federal Government is actively working through the Nigerian High Commission to address their cases.

According to Ireporter Online, NIDCOM disclosed that officials of the Nigerian High Commission in India have continued to visit Nigerians in various correctional facilities and engage Indian authorities over issues affecting those in detention.

The Commission said Nigerian officials had, as of September 1, visited 198 Nigerian inmates across five prisons in Maharashtra, Mumbai, while noting that more Nigerians are being held in prisons and detention facilities in other parts of India.

NIDCOM explained that the Federal Government has remained involved in efforts to address the cases of affected Nigerians, particularly those facing immigration-related offences and other irregularities.

The Commission further revealed that between September last year and May this year, the Nigerian High Commission secured amnesty for thousands of Nigerians who were being held in Indian facilities, largely over immigration offences and related issues.

According to the Commission, many of those granted amnesty were released and returned to Nigeria, although some individuals reportedly did not take advantage of the opportunity when it was available.

NIDCOM also disclosed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has been engaging her Indian counterpart over the possibility of securing another six-month amnesty for Nigerians being held in detention camps without undergoing trial.

The proposed amnesty, if approved, is expected to provide an opportunity for eligible Nigerians to leave India and return home, subject to the necessary procedures and conditions.

The Commission, however, clarified that the proposed arrangement would not apply to Nigerians facing trial for serious criminal offences, including drug-related crimes.

Speaking on the case of a Nigerian identified as Mr Ekene, NIDCOM said the Nigerian High Commission in India was looking into the matter and would assist him where possible, provided he meets the requirements for release and departure.

The Commission noted that certain procedures must be followed and explained that financial arrangements may also be required in some cases before affected individuals can return to Nigeria.

NIDCOM added that the Nigerian High Commission has continued to follow up on the cases of Nigerians facing similar circumstances and has been urging Indian authorities to speed up cases involving those awaiting trial.

The Commission advised Nigerians living irregularly in India to take advantage of any future amnesty programme that may be approved, warning that those who remain in the country without proper documentation risk arrest and detention.

NIDCOM also urged Nigerians living abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and avoid criminal activities that could lead to prosecution or imprisonment.

The Commission reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad while continuing diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving eligible cases involving citizens in detention.