The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has provided information on the detention of a Nigerian, Ekene Chukwuma, at the Lumpur detention camp in Delhi, India. Chukwuma was arrested last December after overstaying his visa. NIDCOM said he refused to use the Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) initially provided to allow him to exit without penalties.
Nigerian citizens detained abroad for immigration offences often face lengthy deportation processes. In 2022, dozens of Nigerians were detained in Libya. In 2023, similar cases were reported in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. NIDCOM was established in 2017 to coordinate diaspora affairs. It intervenes in detention cases, but its powers are limited. Foreign governments control deportation procedures. The ETC is a document issued by Nigerian missions to allow citizens without valid passports to return home.
NIDCOM issued its statement in response to a request from journalist Rufai Oseni. The commission said Chukwuma’s passport expired in 2020. The Nigerian High Commission in India had issued him an ETC during an amnesty period. However, Chukwuma sent his wife and three children back to Nigeria but remained in India to conduct business. “He chose not to use the ETC and sent his wife and children back home, while he stayed behind,” NIDCOM said.
Chukwuma disputed this account. He said he sent his family back before getting amnesty. He said he was in detention when he received the ETC. “I stayed almost 6 months inside a deportation camp before getting my ETC,” he said. “If I had gotten my ETC earlier, I would’ve booked my flight with the little funds I had at the time. But they don’t give it unless you pay 35,000 rupees.” NIDCOM said the Foreigners Regional Registration Office insists detainees must be cleared by Indian authorities before deportation. Several Nigerians have been cleared. Chukwuma remains in detention.
Winners: NIDCOM, which shows responsiveness. Indian authorities, which follow their procedures. Oseni, who raised the case. Losers: Chukwuma, who remains detained. His family, who are separated from him. The credibility of NIDCOM, if its account is disputed. Nigerians abroad, who face uncertain treatment.
Bottom Line: A Nigerian is detained in India. NIDCOM says he refused to leave. He says he was trapped. The truth is contested. He remains in custody.