Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau on Friday said that no fewer than 400 Nigerians are currently saving jail terms in South Africa for various offences.
The Minister and Geoffrey Onyeama, his foreign affairs counterpart, led a delegation to South Africa over the lingering xenophobic attacks in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dambazau said: “These are in the minority because equally we have Nigerian professionals who are contributing positively to development of the economy of South Africa.
“However, that is not to say that they should fold their arms and not to do something about somebody involved in criminality.
“But in doing that, we emphasised that due processes of the law should be taken in terms of the assumption of innocence, being proven guilty and in terms of fair hearing.
“I understand that there are about 400 Nigerians who are in their prison for various offences.
“When we met with the Nigerian community, we also emphasised that those who are involved in criminal behaviour should not be allowed to spoil the good names of themselves and Nigeria.
“So they have that moral responsibility to report where necessary.”
The Minister and Geoffrey Onyeama, his foreign affairs counterpart, led a delegation to South Africa over the lingering xenophobic attacks in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dambazau said: “These are in the minority because equally we have Nigerian professionals who are contributing positively to development of the economy of South Africa.
“However, that is not to say that they should fold their arms and not to do something about somebody involved in criminality.
“But in doing that, we emphasised that due processes of the law should be taken in terms of the assumption of innocence, being proven guilty and in terms of fair hearing.
“I understand that there are about 400 Nigerians who are in their prison for various offences.
“When we met with the Nigerian community, we also emphasised that those who are involved in criminal behaviour should not be allowed to spoil the good names of themselves and Nigeria.
“So they have that moral responsibility to report where necessary.”
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