Reports have surfaced of widespread arrests and fines targeting Nigerian nationals in Libya following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This development follows a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the Super Eagles’ prolonged detention at Libya’s Al-Abraq Airport. The team was held for more than 20 hours ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.
CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled on October 26, awarding the Super Eagles three points and three goals for the disrupted match. Additionally, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was fined $50,000, payable within 60 days. LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I criticized the ruling as “unjust and malicious,” accusing the NFF of using its influence in CAF to secure the decision.
Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, expressed concern over the arrests, stating, “The arrests started on Sunday night in areas like Tedora. Innocent people are being detained regardless of whether they have passports or residence permits. This would not happen in other countries.”
Omoregbie added that social media posts by Libyan journalists and bloggers imply that Nigeria will be made to “pay” the $50,000 fine through these mass arrests. “Libyan journalists and bloggers are saying Nigeria will cover the fine through the arrests, but this kind of thing doesn’t happen elsewhere,” he noted.
With videos allegedly showing Nigerians detained in Tedora irrespective of legal status, Omoregbie described the widespread fear among Nigerians in Libya, noting, “Some of us are calling around in fear, seeking advice on what to do. As community leaders, we’re often helpless, and even the Nigerian Embassy’s options are limited. This situation requires international intervention.”
The Nigerian community in Libya is now urging international organizations to step in, as fear and uncertainty escalate among Nigerians in the country.
