Journalist and media personality Rufai Oseni has appealed to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to help secure the return of a Nigerian identified as Ekene, who he says is currently being held in an Indian deportation camp.
Oseni made the appeal on social media, saying he had attempted to raise money to assist Ekene’s family but that the Nigerian urgently needed help to return home.
“Madam Abike, I’m writing to ask for your help. Ekene is currently in an Indian deportation camp and I’ve tried raising money for his family but he urgently needs to return home,” Oseni wrote in a post directed at Dabiri-Erewa.
Responding to the appeal, Dabiri-Erewa asked Oseni to provide the necessary information to NiDCOM.
She wrote: “Send details to admin@nidcom.gov.ng. Or via WhatsApp to me.”
She added that Nigerians in similar circumstances had previously received assistance, saying some had been granted amnesty and had returned home.
Her response suggests that the case could be taken up through the appropriate Nigerian government channels once the relevant details are provided.
Oseni subsequently broadened his appeal, saying Ekene was among Nigerians in a deportation facility in India and urging authorities to intervene.
“Ekene is one of those Nigerians in an Indian deportation camp. Help him. You can abuse me later! Ekene's life is more important. I can send his number,” he wrote in another post.
The appeal has generated reactions online, with some Nigerians urging the authorities and members of the public to focus on securing the safe return of those affected.
India has previously detained and transferred foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to deportation centres over immigration-related violations.
In February 2025, The Times of India reported that 16 foreign nationals, including several Nigerians, were detained in Delhi and sent to a deportation centre after authorities said they were living illegally in the country.
However, the specific circumstances surrounding Ekene's case, including the reason for his detention, the location of the facility and the requirements for his repatriation, have not been independently established in the available reports.
The development has renewed calls for Nigerian authorities to assist citizens facing immigration and deportation difficulties abroad.
For Oseni, the immediate priority is ensuring that Ekene is able to return to Nigeria, as he continues to appeal for government intervention and support.
With Dabiri-Erewa requesting the relevant information, attention is now on whether NiDCOM and other appropriate Nigerian authorities can establish contact with Ekene, determine his legal and immigration status and facilitate whatever assistance may be required for his return.
The case also highlights the importance of Nigerians abroad having access to consular and government assistance when they encounter serious legal or immigration challenges in foreign countries.
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