Libya Arrests: FG Refutes Allegations Against Nigerian Citizens

FG Debunks Report of Nigerians' Mass Arrest in Libya

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that the well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the...”

Nigeria's Federal Government denies reports of mass arrests of Nigerian citizens in Libya following CAF verdict.

The Nigerian government has denied allegations of mass arrests and harassment of its citizens in Libya following a recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling in Nigeria's favor. However, reports from Nigerians living in Libya paint a different picture. Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian resident in Tripoli, revealed that arrests began on Sunday after the CAF statement was released in Libya. Libyan journalists and bloggers are advocating for the arrests, claiming it's a way to make Nigeria pay the $50,000 fine imposed on Libya.

The situation started when the Nigerian football team was diverted to Al-Abraq Airport, 150 miles away from their destination, and held for over 20 hours. This led to the Nigeria Football Federation lodging a complaint with CAF, resulting in a fine and three points awarded to Nigeria. The Libyan Football Federation has described the verdict as “unjust and malicious” and plans to appeal.

Reports from Nigerians in Libya:

Arrests and Fines: Nigerians are being arrested and fined $500 for not having Libyan papers.

Indiscriminate Arrests: Even Nigerians with valid residence permits are being arrested.

Intimidation: Libyan security forces and militias are using unlawful lethal force and violence against migrants.

The Nigerian community in Libya is calling for help, with the President of the Nigerian community, Peter Omoregbie, confirming the arrests and urging international bodies to intervene. The situation highlights the tensions between Nigeria and Libya and the challenges faced by migrants in the region.

Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made an announcement on Monday, November 4, in Abuja, addressing reports of harassment and arrests of Nigerians in Libya. This development comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded points to Nigeria's Super Eagles and imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya due to the mistreatment of the Nigerian team during a Nations Cup qualifying match.

Following the CAF ruling, some Libyan news outlets published inflammatory articles, urging their government to raise taxes on Nigerians to cover the fine imposed on the Libyan football team. These reports also alleged that Nigerians in Libya faced various forms of harassment, including arrests. The situation has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for the Nigerian government to intervene.

Reports of Harassment and Arrests

° Some Nigerians in Libya reported being arrested, with eyewitnesses claiming that the arrests began on Sunday after the CAF statement was released in the country.

° Libyan news outlets published articles urging the government to raise taxes on Nigerians to cover the fine imposed on the Libyan football team.

° The President of the Nigerian community in Libya confirmed the arrests, stating that innocent people were being targeted, regardless of whether they had passports or residence permits.

The Nigerian government has been urged to take swift action to protect its citizens in Libya. The Minister of Foreign Affairs' announcement is a step towards addressing the situation, but many are calling for more concrete measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians in Libya.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey that as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan authorities, following the verdict of the Confederation of African Football which indicted the Libyan Football Association for their ill- treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that the well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times,” the statement read.