Reps to probe alleged maltreatment of Nigerians in Benin Republic

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, resolved to investigate the alleged incessant cases of maltreatment
of Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Illegal Incarceration of Okumah Chika and Discriminatory Arrests of Nigerians in the Republic of Benin.” sponsored by 12 lawmakers at the Plenary presided over by the Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

The House mandated the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and Diaspora to investigate the allegations and to report within two weeks for further legislative action.

The Lawmakers who sponsored the motion are Hon. O. K Chinda, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Bitrus Laon, Hon.Abdulsalam Dasuki, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Guger Onwusibe Hon. Mark Esset Hon. Rodney A., Hon. Nkewonta and Hon. Patrick Umoh.

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

“The House was 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.

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

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