NIDCOM Updates on Nigerians in Indian Prisons

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) provided an update regarding Nigerians incarcerated in Indian prisons, revealing that the Federal Government, via its High Commission in India, has been actively addressing the cases of hundreds of Nigerians. As of September 1, officials from the Nigeria High Commission visited 198 inmates across five prisons in Maharashtra, Mumbai.

Between September of the previous year and May of this year, the High Commission facilitated amnesty for thousands of Nigerians primarily held for immigration offenses, although some did not utilize the opportunity. NIDCOM stated that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is in discussions with her Indian counterpart regarding a new six-month amnesty for Nigerians in detention camps without trials.

The Nigerian High Commission is also working on individual cases, including that of Mr. Ekene, and is urging Nigerians in India to comply with local laws to avoid arrests.