“Crime Should Not Be Ethnicised” – NIDCOM Responds to Bias Allegations Involving Amaka and Ugiagbe Hate Speech Cases

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has addressed accusations of bias in its response to hate speech incidents involving Nigerians abroad, urging the diaspora community to avoid ethnic profiling and work towards national unity.

In a statement issued by Rahman Balogun, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, the commission responded to claims made by an unverified group, “Igbos in Diaspora,” alleging favoritism in the handling of two separate hate speech cases.

The group accused NIDCOM Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, of delaying her response to comments made by Kingsley Ugiagbe in Austria, while swiftly condemning remarks by Amaka Patience Sonnberger in Canada. NIDCOM refuted these claims, outlining the key differences in how both situations were handled.

According to the commission, Ugiagbe’s comments were quickly addressed by the Edo Association in Austria, who condemned his statements and accepted his apology. Ugiagbe expressed remorse and pledged to improve his behavior moving forward, which led to a swift resolution of the issue.

Conversely, in Canada, Sonnberger’s hate speech prompted widespread outrage from Nigerian groups, who filed formal petitions against her. NIDCOM highlighted that Sonnberger and her group showed no remorse, even boasting about the remarks, which prompted the commission and the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora to take stronger action.

NIDCOM also clarified that contrary to reports, the Canadian government was not involved in Sonnberger’s case, though she remains on bail with restrictions. The commission urged restraint in public comments to avoid further legal complications.

Chairperson Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed her commitment to engaging with all Nigerians abroad, stressing the need for unity and rejecting the ethnicization of crime or misconduct. She encouraged the diaspora community to continue being ambassadors for Nigeria.

NIDCOM also pointed to its ongoing efforts to support Nigerians in challenging situations abroad, including interventions in countries like Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Ghana. The commission remains active in addressing the plight of Nigerians in prisons, particularly in Ethiopia and neighboring countries, through close collaboration with the Senate and House Committees on Diaspora.