ABUJA – The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), a socio-cultural organization for Igbo youth, has presented a list of 578 Nigerian youths allegedly detained in prisons in the Republic of Benin to Nigeria’s National Assembly Public Petition Committee.
The OYC, led by its national president, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, submitted the list detailing the names of Nigerian youths purportedly detained in D’Akpro Misserete and Cotonou prisons. This follows an earlier claim by the council that approximately 5,000 Nigerian youths are being held in 13 different prisons across Benin.
During the committee session on May 23, 2024, the chairman of the Public Petition Committee, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, accepted the list as a working document to assist in the federal investigation and potential intervention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was summoned to appear at the hearing, was absent despite requesting additional time in April to liaise with the Beninese government. The committee has now summoned the ministry to appear at the next session to provide updates on their communication with Benin.
Comrade Igboayaka emphasized the plight of Nigerian youths who, he claims, are being detained despite engaging in legitimate business activities in Benin. He urged the committee to expedite actions to secure the release of the detainees, who are reportedly suffering under severe conditions.
The Public Petition Committee, led by Hon. Mike Etaba, has committed to further investigating the issue, with plans to summon relevant authorities to ensure swift federal intervention
