The federal government has secured the release of six women who were unjustly detained in Cape Verde over baseless allegations of human trafficking.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the women had been released and had departed Cape Verde.
The ministry also emphasized its continued commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
According to the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the women had travelled to Cape Verde for a holiday when they were wrongfully arrested and detained by local authorities on suspicion of trafficking — allegations that were later proven to be untrue.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to happily inform you that the Nigerian nationals (ladies) who were detained in Cape Verde have all been released and have left the country,” the statement said.
It further explained that the Nigerian Mission in Guinea-Bissau played a pivotal role in facilitating diplomatic engagements with Cape Verdean authorities, which eventually led to the release of the women.
“The Ministry engaged Cape Verde authorities via our Mission in Guinea-Bissau to secure their release. The six ladies travelled to Cape Verde for a holiday and were unfortunately detained on allegations of trafficking, which turned out to be false,” the statement added.
