Dabiri-Erewa Urges Cape Verde To Release Detained Nigerian Tourists
Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has appealed to Cape Verdean authorities to immediately release six Nigerian tourists detained at the country’s airport and return them to Nigeria.
The six tourists, who travelled from Senegal to Cape Verde Island for vacation, were reportedly pulled out of the immigration line on arrival, accused of not having enough funds, and had their phones seized.
They were subsequently detained at the immigration deportation camp at the airport.
According to reports from the detention centre, the Nigerians are experiencing trauma and distress.
One of the tourists is said to have a medical condition and has been denied access to his medication.
NiDCOM has called on Cape Verde’s immigration authorities to treat the detained Nigerians with respect and dignity, and to arrange their return to Dakar for onward travel back to Nigeria.
The detained tourists, whose ages range from 25 to 31, are David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina.
They were reportedly on a trip organised by a travel company, ìrìn travels (@irintravels and @theFARAWAY).
The incident has been reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate in Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Families of the detained Nigerians have expressed deep concern about the well-being and safety of their loved ones.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
