…Commission says India granted amnesty to detainees, urges Nigerians to take advantage of official intervention

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has defended its handling of cases involving Nigerians detained at a deportation centre in New Delhi, India, saying the Indian authorities had previously granted an amnesty that some of the detainees failed to utilise.

The commission’s position followed mounting criticism from journalist Rufai Oseni and other Nigerians on social media over the alleged slow response to the plight of a detainee identified as Ekene and more than 200 other Nigerians reportedly being held at the Lampur detention centre.

Oseni, a co-host of Arise TV, said he first brought Ekene’s case to public attention several weeks ago and later contacted NiDCOM after its Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, directed him to channel the matter through the commission.

According to Oseni, he emailed NiDCOM about a week ago with Ekene’s contact details, but claimed that, despite an initial acknowledgement, neither the commission nor the Nigerian diplomatic mission in India had subsequently reached out to the detainee.

“I spoke to Ekene this evening and he confirmed no one reached out,” Oseni posted on his X handle on Saturday. “I have sent Abike Dabiri and NIDCOM the details of Ekene… they haven’t reached out to him! Nigerians, let’s beg her to help this man!”

The development has renewed concerns over the welfare of Nigerians facing detention and possible deportation in India, with critics questioning the pace of intervention by Nigerian authorities.

NiDCOM, however, said its handling of the matter should be viewed against the steps already taken by the Indian authorities, including the reported amnesty extended to some affected Nigerians.

The commission’s position suggests that some detainees may have missed an opportunity to regularise their status under the amnesty, complicating efforts to secure their release.

The controversy has also placed renewed focus on the role of NiDCOM and Nigerian diplomatic missions in protecting Nigerians facing immigration-related difficulties abroad.