Nigerians living in India have raised alarm over persistent abuse, extortion, and police brutality, pleading with the Nigerian government to assist them in returning home.
In an interview with Vanguard, several Nigerian nationals described harrowing experiences at the hands of Indian law enforcement.
Speaking anonymously, one individual said that many Nigerians are trapped in a cycle of police harassment, arbitrary detention, and financial extortion, with little support from Nigerian authorities.
“What we’re going through here is terrible,” he said. “If the police stop you, they’ll first seize your phone and search it. Then they demand money before letting you go.
If you refuse, they frame you with drugs or send you to a deportation camp.”
He claimed some Nigerians collaborate with the police to extort their fellow countrymen, while the Nigerian embassy has remained largely unresponsive.
“We’ve protested, even at the embassy, but nothing changes,” he said.
The man also recounted the death of his friend, Peter Ugbekile, son of the late Chief Felix Ugbekile, who was allegedly beaten to death by Indian police officers on June 10.
“I believe Peter was killed.
His head was bleeding in the video we saw. The police have refused to release CCTV footage.
There were bruises on his back. I think they used bricks.”
Rather than investigating the suspected killers, he alleged, Indian police arrested at least 12 other Nigerians following the incident.
He also described the grim reality of India’s deportation camps: “People are dying in there—men, women, even children.
If they wanted us to leave, they’d reduce the overstay fines. But many of us can’t afford them.”
Sharing his personal experience, he said, “Last year, I paid nearly one lakh rupees to be released. I’ve been arrested multiple times and paid heavily.
I even sold my land in Nigeria to buy my freedom.”
Asked if he was ready to return home, he responded, “Yes, but I don’t have the money. If the Nigerian government can help with flight tickets and clear the overstay penalties, I’d leave immediately.”
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of Peter’s death. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi is “working with the Nigerian community and relevant Indian authorities to uncover the facts.”
Similarly, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) said no new formal reports had reached them, but the agency is investigating past complaints and will work with the embassy on this case.
“We won’t tolerate any unjust treatment of Nigerians,” said Abdulrahman Balogun, NIDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations.
“But we also urge Nigerians abroad to act within the law.”
Efforts to get a response from the Indian Embassy in Nigeria were unsuccessful as of press time.
According to The Hindu newspaper, 1,470 of the 2,331 foreigners deported from India between April 2023 and March 2024 were Nigerians—the highest number from any country.
Others included citizens of Bangladesh and Uganda.
Nigerians whose visas have expired can apply for an Exit Permit through India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), allowing legal departure upon payment of fines ranging from ₹5,000 to over ₹50,000 depending on the length of overstay.
The Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi may assist with emergency travel documents, appeal for waiver of fines in some cases, and support repatriation efforts.
However, without these documents, Nigerians risk detention or being placed in overcrowded deportation camps.
This situation highlights an urgent humanitarian issue requiring immediate attention from Nigerian authorities to protect the rights and dignity of citizens abroad.