The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has condemned the alleged detention of 62 Nigerians in Uganda, describing the action as a grave violation of international law and diplomatic norms.
In a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, the group said the circumstances surrounding the detention were “heinous, barbaric and unjust,” alleging that the affected Nigerians had been denied access to legal representation, communication and due process.
The organisation noted that such treatment contravenes key international instruments, including the United Nations-backed Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the CDHR, the development also undermines bilateral relations between Nigeria and Uganda, warning that it erodes the spirit of African solidarity and cooperation.
The group, therefore, called for the immediate restoration of the detainees’ fundamental rights and urged the African Union and the United Nations to intervene to ensure compliance with global human rights standards.
It also urged the Nigeria government to activate diplomatic channels to secure the safety, legal protection and possible release of the affected citizens where no lawful grounds for their detention exist.
In a related development, the CDHR decried renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, describing the incidents as “reprehensible” and part of a disturbing pattern of hostility.
The organisation criticised the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa for what it termed a lenient response to the attacks, warning that such an approach encourages impunity.
It expressed concern that Nigerians continue to face hostility in South Africa despite Nigeria’s historical support for the country during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The group further linked the vulnerability of Nigerians abroad to governance challenges at home, including corruption and inadequate protection of citizens.
It, therefore, urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise good governance, strengthen citizen protection and implement policies aimed at reducing poverty and economic hardship.
The CDHR also called on Nigerians to intensify lawful demands for accountability and systemic reforms, stressing that the dignity and protection of Nigerian citizens, both at home and abroad, must remain paramount.
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