Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on immigration authorities in Cape Verde to release six Nigerian tourists who were detained upon arrival in the country.

The affected individuals—David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina—had travelled from Senegal to Cape Verde for vacation but were reportedly pulled from the immigration line after landing.

They were allegedly accused of not having enough funds to sustain their stay in the country.

Their phones were also seized and they were taken to an immigration deportation camp at the airport.

According to a statement on Wednesday by NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said one of the detainees is suffering from a medical condition and has no access to his prescribed medication.

“We appeal to the immigration authorities in Cape Verde to please treat the tourists with respect and dignity and put them on the next immediate return flight to Dakar for onward connection back to Nigeria,” the statement read.

She stressed that their return is “of utmost concern,” adding that the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular and Migration Directorate are already involved in the matter.

“The families of these young Nigerians, ranging between 25 and 31 years, have been expectedly worried about the safety of their children,” she added.