Fate of officials held in Nigeria unknown

The fate of Kenyans detained in Lagos after escorting deported Nigerian Anthony Chinedu remained unknown Tuesday as both governments remained mum over the matter.

Foreign Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed declined to talk about the matter on NTV on Monday night, referring queries to the Interior ministry.

On his part, Interior Secretary Joseph ole Lenku only told journalists the government was in negotiations over the matter, but still declined to provide details of progress so far and why a simple deportation threatens to turn into a full-blown diplomatic row.

Last evening, officials at Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi ignored requests for interviews, while in the Nigerian capital Abuja, Foreign Office Junior minister Nurudeen Mohammed did not return calls or reply to emails.

Earlier, a Nigerian Federal Foreign Affairs ministry spokesperson, who identified himself as Francis Azuike, denied any knowledge of the incident.

“We are not aware of such an incident. We have no information concerning any detentions,” he told the Nation on phone.

But our source at the Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi said they were aware the detained Kenyan government officials and flight crew had been made to surrender their passports to ensure they didn’t leave the country.

“They can walk around, but they can’t leave. However, I am also in the dark about why they are still being held,” the source said.

Questions remain unanswered on why the Kenyan government chose to deport a man who had cases pending in court.

Further questions arise on just how influential the deported Nigerian is or why the authorities could withhold Kenyan officials supposedly on orders from Mr Chinedu himself.

On Monday, he sensationally said the officials would not be released unless the Kenyan government compensated him for his investments.

“All I want is my money, and without these guys being detained here, I won’t get my money.”