A prominent Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has called on President Bola Tinubu to leverage the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure the release of over 1.3 million Nigerians reportedly imprisoned in India.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Nigeria on Saturday evening and was formally received by President Tinubu at the State House on Sunday for bilateral talks. During the meeting, President Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) honor on the Indian leader.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mazi Isiguzoro highlighted intelligence indicating that India houses more Nigerian prisoners than any other country, attributing the alarming figure to stringent immigration policies that fail to differentiate between genuine students, medical tourists, and legitimate businesspeople.
“It is imperative that President Tinubu utilize this diplomatic opportunity to advocate for the swift release of those unjustly detained, particularly individuals who are innocent and have faced prolonged detainment without fair trials,” Isiguzoro stated.
He emphasized that his call for action excludes individuals serving sentences for criminal activities but focuses on victims of systemic challenges or racial discrimination.
“This represents a notable humanitarian crisis, as over 1.3 million Nigerians are currently imprisoned across various states in India. Many of these individuals are innocent, caught within the web of stringent immigration laws while pursuing education or medical care,” he added.
Mazi Isiguzoro also urged President Tinubu to prioritize discussions on strengthening partnerships with India in critical sectors such as technology, energy, infrastructure, and railways.
“The potential for collaboration in these sectors is substantial and essential for revitalizing Nigeria’s economy. Additionally, Nigeria’s inclusion in the BRICS economic bloc should be part of the agenda, as this could enhance economic stability and empower trade using the Naira,” he stated.
The Ohanaeze leader called on President Tinubu to ensure the visit yields tangible benefits for Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of robust bilateral agreements to foster innovation, economic growth, and humanitarian relief.
