Mauritius releases detained Nigerian girls

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of Nigerian girls who were detained in Mauritius, saying they are on their way back to Nairobi.

The commission announced their release in a statement issued by its Digital Media Unit following public concern over a viral video showing the girls in detention.

It was alleged that the girls had been held at Mauritius airport since 31 July, prompting calls for the Nigerian government to intervene.

“Relief has come for families back home as the Nigerian girls previously detained in Mauritius have now been released and are on their way back to Nigeria,” the statement on the NiDCOM Facebook page said.

“The development follows days of diplomatic engagement between Nigerian authorities and officials in Mauritius. The girls were confirmed to have been safely released in Nairobi, Kenya, where arrangements were made for their onward journey to Nigeria,” it said.

According to NiDCOM, its Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been in close contact with the Nigerian Embassy, which formally took up the case with Mauritian authorities to ensure accountability and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.