Esther Salifu
Libyan authorities have begun arresting and fining Nigerian workers in the country following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) verdict against Libya’s Football Federation. The CAF disciplinary committee awarded Nigeria three points and three goals for the abandoned match and ordered Libya to pay a $50,000 fine .
“We warn against any form of retaliation against foreign and migrant workers in Libya, especially Nigerian workers, by security forces, armed groups, or citizens,” cautioned Ahmed Hamza, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya.
The arrests started on Sunday, with reports indicating that Nigerians, regardless of their residency status, are being targeted. “They have already started… They believe that by doing this, they are getting their revenge,” said Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian living in Tripoli.
Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the arrests, stating, “They are arresting innocent people… They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits.”
Libyan media outlets have been inciting hostility towards Nigerians, with some calling for the arrest of Nigerian workers without legal papers and demanding they pay $500 plus taxes.
Former Nigerian ambassador to Mexico Ogbole Amedu-Ode urged the Federal Government to investigate the retaliatory arrests and report Libya to the African Union. “If Nigerians collate evidence of the maltreatment, the Federal Government can protest directly to the Libyan government over what Nigerians are facing.”
The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the situation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson saying only that they have sent a message to the director of Africa.
The situation continues to escalate, with international bodies urged to intervene to protect the rights of Nigerian workers in Libya.
Some Nigerians living in Libya reacted
“Please, we appeal to the Nigerian government to come to our aid.” Stated Omo Oba Legba, Nigerian in Libya
“Football has nothing to do with us. If you want to catch them, catch them when they come here. Leave us out of this.” Stated Nigerian pleading with Libyan police
