“The Cape Verde government is trying to sneak them out… and trying to pin them as human traffickers with the aid of a random stranger.”
Six Nigerian tourists have reportedly been detained by Cape Verdean immigration authorities under unclear and controversial circumstances. The group—David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina—were said to have entered the country legally.
On Wednesday, a Nigerian X (formerly Twitter) user, Tobi Ojenike, raised the alarm, alleging that her friends were being falsely accused of human trafficking and held without legal representation.
“They’re framing them as human traffickers and denying them access to a lawyer… Please, who can I speak to? This is URGENT,” Ojenike posted.
She claimed the tourists have been detained for days in harsh conditions, physically assaulted by officers, and face possible deportation without due process.
“The Cape Verde government is trying to sneak them out… and trying to pin them as human traffickers with the aid of a random stranger,” she added.
The group is reportedly still being held at Sal Airport. No official statement has been issued by Nigerian or Cape Verdean authorities.