Reps To Investigate Alledged Mistreatment Of Nigerians In Benin

By Oduyemi Odumade

The House of Representatives
has mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, and Diaspora, to investigate the allegations of incessant mistreatment of Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Illegal Incarceration of Okumah Chika and discriminatory Arrests of Nigerians in the Republic of Benin sponsored by Kingsley Chinda, Fred Agbedi, Bitrus Laon,Abdulsalam Dasuki, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, Guger Onwusibe, Mark Esset and Patrick Umoh.

The House noted that Okumah Chika, a Nigerian, who legally resides and works in the Republic of Benin is alleged to have been arrested by the country’s Police Service, called the Republican Police, on April 18, 2023.

The Lawmakers are concerned that Okumah Chika, who after his undergraduate academic programme in the Republic of Benin, worked as an Administrative Staff at ESFAM University in Port Novo, has been incarcerated at the Akpro-Missérété Prison since April 26, 2023, over allegations of internet fraud.

“The House was also concerned that after a series of investigations which confirmed that Okumah Chika is legally employed by ESFAM University and that his job schedule includes processing admissions, facilitating transcripts, academic guidance and similar duties, he is still being held in detention by the Republican Police authorities.

“The house is worried that many Nigerians in the Republic of Benin who are legal residents, engaging in lawful enterprises are victims of unlawful and discriminatory arrests and detention by the Republican Police.

“The House is also worried that the unlawful and illegal detention of Okumah Chika and other patriotic Nigerians are mostly orchestrated and influenced by their Beninese colleagues, work-mates and acquaintances who are envious of the hardworking, resilient, and enterprising spirit of Nigerians.

“The House is disturbed that the incessant arrests and hounding of Nigerians living and working in the Republic of Benin has made their life hellish as they are perpetually living in fear, worry, and confusion if urgent and immediate steps are not taken to address this issue, it may affect the age-long diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

“The House is cognizant that, considering the economic benefits that the Republic gains from Nigeria, the mistreatment of Nigerians living over there is not a reflection of appreciation for Nigeria’s benevolence.

Adopting the motion, the house mandated the committees to report within two weeks for further legislative action.

Edited By Grace Namiji