Federal Government Denies Reports of Libyan Mass Arrests of Nigerians Following CAF Ruling
After the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently ruled in favor of Nigeria, the Federal Government has denied claims of widespread arrests and harassment of Nigerians living in Libya.
The CAF penalized Libya $50,000 for mistreating the Nigerian squad during a Nations Cup qualifying match and gave the Super Eagles of Nigeria some points.
Reports of various forms of harassment against Nigerians in Libya surfaced after the verdict. Some Libyan news outlets published articles pleading with their government to raise Nigerians’ taxes in order to cover the fine imposed by CAF on the Libyan football team.
There have also been claims of arrests made by certain Nigerians living in Libya.Nigerians are safe in Libya, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry restated the government’s resolve to safeguard Libyan citizens.
the statement read:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey that as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan authorities, following the verdict of the Confederation of African Football which indicted the Libyan Football Association for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that the well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times”.
