The Nigeria Police Force, on the 10th August, 2012, at the International wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos, received Twenty-seven (27) Nigerians deported from Madrid, Spain, for various criminal offences, ranging from armed robbery, drug trafficking, forgery and illegal migration.A statement from the police headquarters in Abuja said 14 of the deportees were handed over to their families, an indication that not all of them may have committed crimes.
The statement by Frank Mba,Force spokesman said the deportees who arrived aboard a chartered Spanish Airline flight were received at the Airport at 07:30am, by Officers from the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Lagos, following directives issued on 9th August, 2012, by the office of the Inspector-General of Police. They were immediately transferred to the office of the Bureau, where they were screened to determine their culpability to the allegations against them.
At the end of a meticulous and painstaking screening exercise conducted by a combined team of officers from the Police, SSS, NDLEA and the Nigerian Immigration Service, fourteen (14) of the deportees were found not culpable for any of the alleged crimes, just as no other credible reason was found to have been proffered by the Spanish authorities for their deportation. They were subsequently, unconditionally released to their relations on bail. The unanswered question remains:Why were those apparently innocent deported?
Meanwhile ,Nigeria’s Police headquarters said “other incriminated thirteen (13) deportees were handed-over to relevant agencies, based on the nature of their alleged criminal involvement, such as the Nigeria Immigrations Service (State Hqs, Lagos), which received eight (8) deportees –Adam Garba ; Ames Emmanuel Ahmed; Zim Atando; Hassan Idriss;Victor Iyaki Kamar;Mosa Sidi;Alloysius Chimez Chukwuanu, and Charity Agho Ekuase .
Also the NDLEA Hqs, Ikoyi received three (3) deportees- Julius Maikel and Darlington Chinonso Asiuloka and the Nigeria Police (Federal SAARS, FCID-Annex: two (2) deportees-John Omoputa and John Okpara.
However, fourteen (14) deportees were released to their relatives namely: Osatohamwen Uyigue;Patrick Owiyi;Eboigbe Courage;Ani Obinna;Peace Ugue;Ugwa Okechukwu Ikanize; Moses Salifu;Loveth Emonvon;Osas James Oduware;Festus Enabulele;Godspower Eigbedion;Chuks Etumudor;Oghogho Osawanye and Anthony Umeh.
Mba said while assuring the deportees that due process of law will strictly be followed in handling their cases, the IGP advised Nigerians in Diaspora to be mindful of their activities and respect the laws and culture of their host countries. He also advised Nigerian youths desiring to travel abroad to ensure that reasons for their journeys are legitimate and that all laid down procedures are followed, before embarking on such trips.
