The chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has once again emphasised the need for an accurate and comprehensive database of Nigerians incarcerated in various prisons globally.
Dabiri-Erewa made this remark at a meeting with members of the Counselling and Rehabilitation of Prisoners Initiative, CAROPI, a non-governmental organisation in Abuja.
She explained that efforts were underway to compile a detailed list of Nigerians wrongfully arrested and incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.
Dabiri-Erewa further disclosed that the commission had been to several countries such as Brazil, South-Africa, Togo and Benin Republic to facilitate the release of some Nigerians wrongfully arrested and incarcerated.
She highlighted a situation in Brazil where a 74 year old woman was wrongfully arrested and the Commission was able to effect her release but she died afterwards.
The NIDCOM boss stated that as Nigerians travel out of their home country they should avoid committing crimes or participating in criminality.
She welcomed the CAROPI Team and assured them of collaborative partnerships with NIDCOM.
The president of the NGO, Dr Hajiya Rabia Y.H.Cengis, among other members which include Mrs Victoria Kuwua Nor-Ugor (Head Medical Department), Barr Justice C. Uhuegbu (Head Legal Department) and Mr Shiver Akuku (Secretary CAROPI).
Hajiya Rabia explained that many Nigerians had been victims of wrongful arrest and iincarceration in many of the countries she had travelled to, noting that that must be addressed forthwith.
Other members of the team expressed optimism for a robust working relationship with NIDCOM in areas of legal assistance, reintegration and rehabilitation and a conducive environment for justice and equity for all.
