The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has provided an update on the welfare and legal situations of Nigerians currently detained in various prisons and detention facilities across India.

The Commission said the Nigerian government, through the Nigeria High Commission in India, has continued to intervene in cases involving hundreds of Nigerians held in different correctional facilities across the country.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

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According to the statement, officials of the Nigeria High Commission in India recently visited 198 Nigerian inmates being held in five prisons across Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.

NIDCOM noted, however, that the number of Nigerians in Indian prisons extends beyond those visited in Mumbai, as other Nigerians are being detained in facilities located in different provinces.

The Commission said the diplomatic mission has been actively monitoring the cases and providing assistance where possible, particularly for Nigerians whose detention is linked to immigration-related offences and other irregularities.

NIDCOM Seeks More Amnesty for Nigerians in India

NIDCOM disclosed that between September last year and May this year, the Nigerian High Commission secured an amnesty arrangement that resulted in the release and repatriation of thousands of Nigerians detained in India.

The beneficiaries were said to have been detained mainly over immigration offences and related irregularities. However, the Commission explained that some Nigerians did not take advantage of the amnesty during the period it was available.

The agency added 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 currently held in detention camps without ongoing criminal trials.

NIDCOM explained that the proposed arrangement is expected to provide an opportunity for eligible Nigerians to return home and regularise their status instead of remaining in detention.

The Commission also addressed concerns surrounding the case of a Nigerian identified as Mr Ekene, whose situation has reportedly attracted attention in India.

NIDCOM said the Nigerian High Commission would examine Ekene’s case to determine whether he qualifies for release or repatriation under the applicable procedures.

The Commission stressed that there are established processes that must be followed, adding that the availability of financial support from his family could also be relevant if he becomes eligible to leave India.

According to NIDCOM, the Nigerian High Commission is handling Ekene’s case alongside those of other Nigerians facing similar circumstances.

The diplomatic mission is also reportedly engaging Indian authorities to accelerate the cases of Nigerians who are awaiting trial for various alleged offences.

The Commission urged Nigerians living in India without valid immigration status to take advantage of any new amnesty arrangement once it becomes effective.

It warned that Nigerians who continue to remain in the country illegally without utilising available opportunities could face arrest and detention by Indian authorities.

However, NIDCOM clarified that any proposed amnesty would not cover Nigerians awaiting trial for serious criminal offences, including drug-related charges.

The Commission therefore appealed to Nigerians living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and avoid activities that could lead to arrest, prosecution or imprisonment.

NIDCOM reiterated that the Federal Government, through its diplomatic missions, would continue to provide consular assistance to Nigerians abroad while encouraging citizens to maintain lawful conduct in their respective countries.

The Commission also advised Nigerians travelling or residing overseas to ensure that their immigration documentation remains valid and to seek appropriate assistance whenever they encounter legal or immigration difficulties.