NYCN Diaspora Appeals for Review of Nigerian's Detention

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Diaspora has urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities to review the ongoing detention of Nigerian citizen Sodiq Bello, who has been held without formal charges since November 2024. In an open appeal dated April 20, 2026, signed by the council's president, Ambassador Collin Idahosa, the group expressed concern over Bello's prolonged detention without due judicial process.

Bello, 30, was reportedly stopped at Dubai International Airport while in transit from Ghana during a short holiday and is currently held at Abu Dhabi Central Jail, Al Wathba. The council noted that Bello has not been formally charged, nor has he been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him.

The NYCN Diaspora previously escalated the matter to the UAE chapter of the Nigerian High Commission in Dubai. The council is calling for a prompt and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bello's detention, ensuring access to a fair trial and release, as no credible evidence has been presented against him.