A court in the Benin Republic has ordered four Nigerian nationals, arrested for illegal migration, to remain in prison custody.
This decision follows their recent disappearance, which had raised alarm among their families.
Missing Persons Report
The four men were initially declared missing by their families after they could not be reached.
Their families alerted the public when their phones became unreachable on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
According to a family source, the men had confirmed their arrival in the Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 22, and were staying at the F&F Hotel in the Savalou region.
The source stated, “We couldn’t reach them, and we were very worried.”
Fortunately, the wives of the arrested men managed to contact them and confirmed their arrest.
The Benin Republic government apprehended them for illegal entry into the country.
“They were all arraigned in court this morning,” the family source said on Tuesday morning.
Court Proceedings and Denial of Bail
The court proceedings revealed that the four Nigerians were denied bail during their arraignment.
A family member disclosed that this was primarily because they were not represented by a lawyer.
“They were not given the chance to defend themselves properly,” the source explained.
Without legal representation, the court had no option but to remand them in custody.
The family member added, “We cannot afford to hire a lawyer. The cost is prohibitive.”
Legal fees in the Benin Republic can be quite high.
The family member claimed that a lawyer had quoted a fee of 800,000 CFA, which is roughly ₦5 million.
This amount is beyond their financial means.
Lack of Legal Aid
In the Benin Republic, individuals facing criminal charges do not have a right to free legal representation.
This situation leaves many accused individuals at a significant disadvantage.
When SaharaReporters reached out to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, advised the family to seek legal representation.
He said, “They should hire a lawyer and file a petition to the Commission for further assistance.”
The family has expressed their frustration over the lack of support.
“We are in a foreign country and don’t know the law. We just want them home safe,” a relative lamented.
Adjournment and Uncertain Future
The court has adjourned the case to next Wednesday, meaning the four men will spend at least another week in prison.
The uncertainty surrounding their legal situation is distressing for their families.
“They are scared and anxious about what will happen next,” a family member said.
With no immediate means of legal support, the family feels helpless.
“We are trying to figure out how to get them a lawyer. It’s very hard for us,” another relative shared.
The situation raises questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in the Benin Republic.
Context of Migration in West Africa
Illegal migration remains a critical issue in West Africa, with many individuals attempting to enter neighboring countries in search of better opportunities.
However, the risks are substantial, including the possibility of arrest and detention.
In recent years, countries in the region have intensified their immigration enforcement measures.
This has made it increasingly challenging for migrants, including many Nigerians, to navigate legal and bureaucratic hurdles.
The Benin Republic has seen a rise in illegal migration cases, with authorities cracking down on those who do not comply with immigration laws.
Calls for Government Intervention
Human rights activists and legal experts are calling for the Nigerian government to intervene in cases like this one.
They argue that more needs to be done to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens abroad.
