In the wake of a Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling that penalized the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) with a $50,000 fine for allegedly mistreating the Nigerian Super Eagles, the Nigerian community in Libya reports a surge in retaliatory arrests and fines. The CAF decision followed an incident where the Nigerian team was detained for over 20 hours at Libya’s Al-Abraq Airport after being diverted from Benghazi, sparking backlash from both the LFF and Libyan citizens.
The Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) complaint prompted CAF to investigate the diversion, eventually concluding that the LFF’s actions violated several regulations, awarding the Super Eagles three points for the abandoned match. LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I labeled the CAF ruling as “unjust and malicious,” alleging undue NFF influence within CAF and signaling the LFF’s intent to appeal.
Community Backlash and Retaliatory Measures
Following the ruling, numerous Libyan media outlets and social media influencers amplified calls for mass arrests and fines targeting Nigerians in Libya. A prominent Libyan news blog with over 188,000 followers, Libya News Today 1, posted, “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest Nigerian workers without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes. This is our way of responding to the CAF fine.”
According to Libya INF.TV, Libyan authorities have begun implementing these measures, with police actively arresting Nigerian nationals irrespective of their immigration status. The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya warned against retaliatory actions targeting foreign workers, specifically Nigerian migrants, in response to the CAF ruling.
Mass Arrests and Nigerian Community’s Concerns
A Nigerian resident in Tripoli, Adenaike Emmanuel, confirmed that arrests began immediately after the CAF announcement, stating, “They started arresting Nigerians on Sunday. They believe that by doing this, they are enacting their revenge.” Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Community in Libya, Peter Omoregbie, reported that indiscriminate arrests were underway, adding that authorities were disregarding whether Nigerians held valid documents or not.
Omoregbie called on international bodies for urgent intervention, stating, “This situation is beyond the Nigerian Embassy’s control; we need broader assistance to prevent more harm.” His sentiments were echoed by another Nigerian in Libya, who disclosed that arrests had intensified. “They’re not just targeting undocumented Nigerians; anyone perceived to be Nigerian is at risk,” the individual stated in a video plea.
Libyan Human Rights Warning and Diplomatic Reactions
Ahmed Hamza, Chair of Libya’s National Institution for Human Rights, cautioned Libyan authorities against unlawful actions against Nigerians, warning of possible repercussions in both domestic and international courts. Meanwhile, Nigerian diplomatic channels have sought clarification, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria inquiring through diplomatic channels about the current situation. However, both the Libyan Embassy in Abuja and the Nigerian Embassy in Tripoli have yet to release official responses.
Ex-Diplomat Calls for Investigation and AU Intervention
A former Nigerian ambassador, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, has urged the Nigerian government to probe the retaliatory arrests and raise the issue with the African Union. He advised Nigerians in Libya to maintain low profiles, emphasizing that if conditions became intolerable, leaving Libya would be a prudent choice.
As the situation escalates, Nigerians across Libya are calling for immediate government intervention to ensure their safety amid rising hostilities, as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a resolution.
