Connect with us

News

NIDCOM Advised Nigerians to be Conversant with Laws of Countries they are Traveling

Published

on

NIDCOM Advised Nigerians to be Conversant with Laws of Countries they are Traveling

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians to be familiar with the laws of the countries they are visiting.

The advice was given on Friday at the backdrop of the harrowing experience of a Nigerian medical doctor, Andrew Etsetowaghan at the Geneva Airport for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage.

The Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa told Nigerians travelling through Switzerland to avoid carrying laser pointers as its usage has been ban in that European country.

Etsetowaghan, Chief Party, USAID Funded Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria, (ACE) C4 Project, narrating his ordeal at the airport in Geneva, said he was delayed at the airport for three hours because of laser pointer.

He said the use of laser pointer was ban in June 2019. The aim is to prevent people being injured or dazzled in a hazardous way by the beam from dangerous laser pointers.

The laser pointers is a hand-held laser that can be used to point to things, for amusement (as a toy or in hobbies) to scare off animals or to drive away other people.

Most times it is used to deliver lecture where slide is used. The most used laser pointer is the one carrying markings

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, noted that many immigrants might be unaware of this regulation and urged Nigerian travelers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents.

Etsetowaghan, a public health expert and Project Director at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria, was detained on May 25, 2024, after attending a United States Department meeting in Geneva.

Etsetowaghan , who was part of an official delegation ,recounted his ordeal: “Upon going through security at Geneva Airport, I was informed that my presentation pointer was not allowed in Switzerland.

He said he never knew of the law before leaving Nigeria and all through his short visit to Switzerland.

He said there was no notification even at the Geneva airport to warn travellers until he was called aside by the immigration and later joined by the police.

He said he was taken to cell for hours and it became a to and frot and was made to sign some documents in French even when he did not know what the contents are.
The Chief Party, who was worried not to miss his flight, said he was told bluntly that he would not be flying that day.

“I was detained, had my belongings and documents seized, and was subjected to several hours of interrogation and solitary confinement in a cell.

“Despite my compliance, the treatment I received was inhumane, including limited access to bathroom facilities and being forced to sign documents in French under duress.”

He called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
He called for a review of the procedures and better awareness of the banned items to ensure travelers are well-informed.

Reacting to the incident, NiDCOM emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such prohibited items in Switzerland Airports and urged Swiss authorities to enhance theircommunication on such regulations, describing Dr Etsetowaghan ordeal as “ avoidable “

NIDCOM Advised Nigerians to be Conversant with Laws of Countries they are Traveling

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

Published

on

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued one kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected armed bandit following an attack on Dankabali Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on April 30 when about 20 armed bandits on 10 motorcycles invaded the community in Kagara District and abducted four residents.

The sources disclosed that the abducted persons were identified as Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, Halima Mani, Rabiatu Muhammad, and Karima Muhammad.

According to the sources, the troops under Operation Fansar Yamma and the police joint tactical team was mobilised immediately after receiving the distress call and commenced search-and-rescue operations.

They added that during a combing operation in a nearby forest, the joint forces made contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire in which one bandit was neutralised.

The sources further said one of the abducted victims, Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, was successfully rescued unharmed, taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara for medical examination, and later reunited with his family.

They noted that ongoing operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining three victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.

Security presence has since been reinforced in the Dankabali axis, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

Continue Reading

News

Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto

Published

on

Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto

By Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits and recovered 27 rustled animals in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 1 when a large number of armed bandits invaded Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages, firing sporadically and rustling domestic animals.

The sources disclosed that upon receiving the distress the troops swiftly mobilised and blocked routes leading to the bandits’ camp in Zamori forest.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, overpowering them and forcing their retreat toward the Niger Republic border.

They added that all 27 rustled animals were successfully recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners.

The sources further confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel during the operation.

Security presence has since been reinforced in the area, with continuous patrols to prevent further incursions.

Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto

Continue Reading

News

Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

Published

on

Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

By Zagazola Makama

A 14-year-old boy, Musa Umar, has died following a violent altercation with a neighbour in Jama’are village via Fika in Yobe State.

Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 at about 10:00 p.m. when Musa engaged in a fight with another minor, Adamu Yusuf, 12, during which he was struck on the head with a stick.

The sources disclosed that the injured boy was initially rushed to Gadaka General Hospital for treatment before being referred to Fika General Hospital due to the severity of his condition.

According to the sources, Musa died on the way to the referral hospital and was later certified dead by a medical doctor.

They added that the body was documented and released to the family for burial following necessary procedures.

The sources further said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights