Reports from Libya indicate a wave of arrests and $500 fines imposed on Nigerian nationals, following a contentious ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that awarded Nigeria’s Super Eagles three points and three goals.
The decision, made after Nigeria’s men’s team was detained for over 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport, was issued by CAF’s disciplinary committee after a complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Libyan Football Federation President Nasser Al-Suwai’I has decried the CAF decision as “unjust and malicious,” alleging undue influence from the NFF. The ruling has fueled resentment in Libya, where influential media sources, including Libya News Today, have called for strict measures against Nigerians residing in Libya, especially those lacking official documentation.
A post from Libya News Today, which has a substantial social media following, urged the Libyan government to fine undocumented Nigerian workers $500 each and ensure deportation for those who fail to pay. “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes,” read the post, further inciting tension.
A Libyan TV presenter has echoed these sentiments, labeling the earnings of Nigerians working without paying taxes as “haram,” or sinful, and called for enforcing strict penalties and deportations. The popular Libyan news site Libya INF.TV also reported demands for immediate government action, suggesting that those who resist deportation face no mercy.
Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian resident in Tripoli, reported to Punch Newspaper that the arrests began shortly after the CAF announcement on Saturday.
“They have already started. Libyans are expressing their discontent and believe they are retaliating,” he said.
Emmanuel mentioned that arrests occurred in multiple areas, including Tripoli, on both Sunday morning and afternoon. He believes it’s their way of getting revenge,” he said.
Omoregie, who confirmed the story said, “The arrests started on Sunday night in some areas in Tedora. They are arresting innocent people. They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits. They just don’t care, which doesn’t happen in other countries”.
The situation has left Nigerians in Libya in an anxious state as they brace for intensified scrutiny, arrests, and financial penalties amid rising anti-Nigerian sentiments.
