Nigerian Envoy Advocates for Rights of Detained Citizens

Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, conducted a three-day outreach visit to 198 Nigerians detained in various prisons across India. This initiative was part of Nigeria's citizen-centred diplomacy, aimed at ensuring that detained citizens are not overlooked.

During his visit, Muhammad engaged with the inmates, who expressed concerns regarding delays in court trials, limited access to legal representation, alleged discrimination, and insufficient medical care. He noted that discussions with prison officials indicated that many cases were stalled due to prolonged judicial processes rather than issues within the prison system.

Muhammad reported that the Nigerian mission has submitted a detailed report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has committed to addressing these issues. He emphasized the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of all detainees, regardless of the allegations against them, and reassured the inmates that Nigeria remembers them despite the challenges posed by limited resources.