Negotiate Release Of 1.3m Nigerians In Indian Prison, Ohaneze Chieftain Tells Tinubu

A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has called on President Bola Tinubu to use the Indian Prime Minister’s visit, Narendra Modi, to dialogue for the release of over 1.3 million Nigerians in Indian prisons.

Mazi Isiguzoro said that according to verified intelligence, over 1.3 million Nigerians find themselves imprisoned across the 28 states in India.

In a statement signed by him and made available to LEADERSHIP, he maintained that India currently houses more Nigerian prisoners than any other nation, “a situation that demands immediate diplomatic attention”.

The Ohaneze Chieftain stated that many of these Nigerians are victims of stringent immigration policies that fail to distinguish between genuine students, medical tourists, and legitimate businesspersons.

“It is imperative that President Tinubu utilise 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.

He described the figure as alarming, adding that the Statistics highlight the complexity of Nigeria-India relations.

“Our call for action does not extend to those serving prison sentences for legitimate criminal activity, but rather to those trapped by systemic challenges or racial discrimination.

Mazi Isiguzoro also urged President Tinubu to focus its dialogue on Indian partnerships in technology, energy, infrastructure, and railway systems.

“The potential for collaboration in these sectors is not only substantial but also essential for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s economy. By pursuing robust bilateral agreements, we can harness the capabilities of Indian enterprises to drive innovation and create sustainable jobs for our citizens.

“The inclusion of Nigeria in discussions concerning the BRICS economic bloc should also be on the agenda. The strategic incorporation of Nigeria into BRICS would facilitate our financial stability and empower us to trade more effectively using our local currency, the Naira.

“This initiative could bear fruit as it aligns with the expectations of the Nigerian populace following President Tinubu’s recent participation in the G20 Summit in India.