400 Nigerians in South African prisons, says Interior minister

Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), reportedly has said that 400 Nigerians are serving jail terms for various offences in South Africa.

He stated this at a joint news conference, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the visit of Nigerian delegation to South Africa.

Dambazau and Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had on Monday led a delegation to South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks.

“These are in the minority, because we also have Nigerian professionals who are contributing positively to the development of their host country.

“However, that is not to say that they should fold their arms and not to do something about somebody involved in crime.

“But in doing that, we emphasized that due process should be upheld in terms of the assumption of innocence, being proved guilty and in terms of fair hearing.

“I understand that there are about 400 Nigerians who are in the South African prison for various offences,” he said.

He said the offenders would finish their jail terms in South Africa.

Dambazau also confirmed that they met with the Nigerian community in South Africa.

“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 name of Nigeria.

“So, they have that moral responsibility to report where necessary,” he said.