27 Nigerians deported from Spain for armed robbery, drug trafficking

The Nigeria Police Force yesterday said it has been handed over 27 Nigerians deported from Madrid, Spain, for various criminal offences.

The police said they received the criminal deportees on 10th August, 2012, at the International wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos.

Police spokesman, Frank Mba, said the deportees committed offences ranging from armed robbery, drug trafficking, forgery and illegal migration. 

"The deportees who arrived aboard a chartered Spanish Airline were received at the Airport at 07:30am, by officers from the Interpol National Central Bureau, Lagos, following directives issued on 9th August, 2012, by the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

"They were immediately transferred to the office of the Bureau, where they were screened to determine their culpability to the allegations against them.  At the end of the screening exercise conducted by a combined team of officers from the police, SSS, NDLEA and the Nigerian Immigration Service, 14 of the deportees were found not culpable for any of the alleged.

"They were subsequently, unconditionally released to their relations on bail. 

"Meanwhile the other incriminated 13 deportees were handed-over to relevant agencies, based on the nature of their alleged criminal involvement.

While assuring the deportees that due process of law will strictly be followed in handling their cases, the IGP advised Nigerians in Diaspora to be mindful of their activities and respect the laws and culture of their host countries.