The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised serious concerns over the ongoing detention of six Nigerian tourists in Cape Verde. The group, which had travelled from Senegal to Cape Verde for a vacation, was detained upon arrival by immigration authorities.

According to a statement issued by NiDCOM on Wednesday via its social media platform, the tourists were accused of not having sufficient funds for their stay. Their mobile phones were also reportedly confiscated before they were detained at an immigration deportation camp located at the airport.

The group, whose members are identified as David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina, is said to be enduring significant distress while in custody. Reports have emerged suggesting that one of the detainees is in poor health and has been denied access to necessary medication. The families of the detained individuals, all of whom are aged between 25 and 31, are deeply concerned about their safety and well-being.

NiDCOM has called on the Cape Verdean immigration authorities to handle the matter with “respect and dignity.” The commission has requested that the detainees be placed on the next available flight back to Senegal, from where they can return to Nigeria.

The situation has been formally reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is expected to engage with the relevant Cape Verdean authorities.

The NiDCOM statement highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for prompt action to ensure the tourists’ safe return to Nigeria. As of now, the outcome remains uncertain, and the families continue to anxiously await news of their loved ones’ release.