Nigerian Girls Detained In Mauritius Regain Freedom

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of the Nigerian women detained by immigration authorities in Mauritius, saying they are returning to Nairobi.

In a statement issued on Monday, NiDCOM said its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is working with the Nigerian Embassy, which has formally engaged Mauritian authorities to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence.

“The Nigerian girls who were previously detained have been released. They are currently on their way back to Nairobi,” the commission said.

NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The women were reportedly detained at a Mauritian airport on July 31, sparking outrage after an X user alleged they were held without being told why and were asked to sign an undisclosed document without explanation.

The social media user also claimed one of the women became ill during the detention due to prolonged stress, while another had travelled to Mauritius to celebrate her birthday.

The incident triggered widespread calls for Nigerian authorities to intervene.

Neither NiDCOM nor the Nigerian Embassy disclosed the circumstances surrounding the women’s release, while Mauritian authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the allegations.