Six Nigerian youths have returned home after spending nearly one year in detention in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, without being charged or tried.
Their return was marked by an emotional reception at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where they were welcomed by government officials following their release.
Speaking at the reception, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the ordeal as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young Nigerians abroad, particularly those navigating unfamiliar legal systems in search of better opportunities.
She explained that the returnees had travelled to Côte d’Ivoire on a trading mission before they were detained and stressed the need to strengthen mechanisms for protecting Nigerian citizens overseas.
The returnees are Aliyu Malami, Sa’adu Bello, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Lyman Mohammed, and a sixth individual whose identity was not disclosed.
They spent almost a year in detention without trial and reportedly endured harsh conditions, including the illness and eventual death of their colleague, Usama Murtala, who died shortly after regaining his freedom due to inadequate medical care.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the successful return of the youths reflects Nigeria’s Citizen Diplomacy policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the protection and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
The Ministry also acknowledged the support of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in facilitating the reception and reintegration of the returnees.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was commended for placing the welfare of Nigerians abroad at the centre of the country’s foreign policy priorities.
