By Woke Joshua
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission in India is intensifying efforts to secure the release of Nigerians detained in prisons and detention camps across the country.
The Commission said the mission had visited 198 Nigerian inmates in five prisons in Maharashtra, Mumbai, as of September 1, 2026, as part of ongoing consular interventions.
This was contained in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abuja, on Sunday.
NiDCOM said the number of Nigerians in detention was not limited to those visited in Maharashtra, noting that other Nigerians were being held in prisons across different provinces in India.
According to the Commission, the Nigerian High Commission secured amnesty for thousands of Nigerians detained in India between September 2025 and May 2026.
It explained that the amnesty largely covered Nigerians detained for immigration offences and other irregularities, leading to their release and return to Nigeria.
However, the Commission noted that some Nigerians failed to take advantage of the amnesty when it was available.
NiDCOM also disclosed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had been engaging the Indian authorities over a fresh six-month amnesty for Nigerians detained in camps without ongoing trials.
On the case of Mr Ekene, whose detention in India has attracted attention, NiDCOM said the Nigerian High Commission would review his situation and determine whether he qualifies for an early departure.
The Commission stated that Ekene’s release, if approved, would be subject to the completion of relevant procedures and the availability of funds from his family to facilitate his return.
“The Nigerian High Commission is on his case and that of others in similar circumstances,” the statement said.
It added that the mission had also been pressing the Indian government to expedite the cases of Nigerians awaiting trial for various offences.
NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, advised Nigerians residing in India without valid immigration status to take advantage of the next amnesty programme once it becomes effective.
She warned that those who continue to stay illegally in India risk arrest.
“Nigerians in India, who are in India irregularly should take advantage of the next set of amnesty being negotiated when effected while others who are still staying there illegally, should utilise the opportunity or risk being arrested,” she said.
The Commission stressed that the amnesty would not cover Nigerians awaiting trial for criminal offences, including drug-related cases.
NiDCOM urged Nigerians abroad to obey the laws of their host countries, avoid criminal activities and comply with immigration regulations.