Nigerians in Libya face arrest after CAF ruling

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently awarded Nigeria’s Super Eagles three points and three goals in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after Libya allegedly mistreated the team.

This ruling followed Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) complaint about the Super Eagles’ prolonged detention in Libya. However, this decision has led to unintended consequences, as Libyan authorities reportedly began arresting Nigerian residents in Libya.

Upon their arrival for the qualifier’s second leg, Libyan authorities detained the Super Eagles for over 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport. The Nigerian team initially planned to land at Benghazi Airport and travel by road to Benina, but Libyan officials directed the Tunisian pilot to reroute the plane mid-flight to Al-Abraq Airport, approximately 150 miles from their intended destination.

In response, the NFF withdrew the team from the match and lodged an official complaint with CAF.

On October 26, CAF’s disciplinary committee, led by Chairman Ousmane Kane, ruled that the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) violated tournament regulations, specifically Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. CAF fined the LFF $50,000 and required payment within 60 days.

Displeased, LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’i condemned the ruling, claiming the NFF’s influence swayed CAF’s decision. He announced plans to appeal, threatening further action through the Court of Arbitration for Sport if CAF denies the appeal.

Libyan media outlets soon rallied against Nigerians in Libya, with one blog, Libya News Today 1, urging authorities to impose fines on Nigerian workers without legal documentation. The blog, which has over 188,000 Facebook followers, suggested that Nigerians should bear the $50,000 fine imposed on the LFF.

The post accompanied a video of a Libyan TV presenter demanding that Nigerians pay $500 in taxes or face deportation. Another Libyan outlet, Libya INF.TV, echoed these sentiments, calling for mass arrests and fines for Nigerian workers without Libyan residency papers.

Following CAF’s decision, Libyan authorities reportedly intensified arrests of Nigerian residents. Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian in Tripoli, confirmed that arrests began on Sunday, stating, “They’re detaining people across various neighborhoods. Libyans openly express their frustration and believe these arrests serve as revenge.” Emmanuel noted that arrests were happening regardless of individuals’ residency or passport status.

Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, also confirmed these arrests. In a video shared widely on Nigeria-focused Libyan blogs, Omoregbie explained that police had detained Nigerians across different areas, including Tedora, without checking for legal documentation.

“Libyan authorities don’t care whether Nigerians hold passports or residence permits,” he said. Omoregbie urged Nigerian officials and international bodies to intervene, emphasizing that CAF regulations should prevent government interference in football matters.

Another Nigerian, Omo Oba Legba, warned of intensified arrests, recounting that his employer had advised him to avoid public areas. “Whether or not we have Libyan passports, they are targeting us. Nigerians in Libya now face constant fear and uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya has condemned the arrests. Its Chairman, Ahmed Hamza, criticized local media for inciting anti-foreigner sentiments. Hamza urged Libyan authorities to avoid targeting migrant workers, particularly Nigerians, warning that retaliatory actions could have domestic and international legal consequences.

When approached for comment, Libyan embassy officials in Abuja declined to respond. A Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative noted the ministry had contacted its Director of African Affairs for more information, while the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission remained unresponsive at the time of reporting.

Former Nigerian ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode advised the Federal Government to gather evidence and consider filing a formal protest with the African Union. Amedu-Ode recommended that Nigerians in Libya maintain low profiles or, if possible, leave the country to avoid further risks. He stressed that the government’s intervention was crucial to protect Nigerians living in Libya from escalating tensions.

The situation has left many Nigerians in Libya facing insecurity and uncertainty, highlighting the spillover effects of an international football dispute on migrant communities.