WHY WE DEPORTED A NIGERIAN,SWISS GOVERNMENT REACTS TO ALLEGATIONS

Swiss authorities have explained why they denied Spain-based Prince Ugochukwu, 35-year-old Ebonyi State indigene, entrance to the country in September 2015 and deported him to Nigeria two months later.

The Swiss Embassy in Abuja said they did so because of an interdiction issued to him to not visit the country until December 9, 2017.

Ugochukwu, was deported to Nigeria by Swiss officials on November 29, 2015 when he wanted to visit his friend in Switzerland.

However, before his deportation, Ugochukwu said he spent over two months languishing in detention and subjected to various inhumane treatments by the Swiss officials.

In a reaction to Ugochukwu’s story, Jolanda Herren, the Migration Adviser, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Switzerland in Abuja, said in an email that after investigations were carried out, it was discovered that Ugochukwu’s allegations did not correspond to the facts obtained about his case.

She said it was found out that Ugochukwu’s residence permit in Spain was cancelled by Spanish authorities on October 28, 2013. Therefore, it was not possible for him to return to Spain.

She said, “Most allegations produced by Mr. Prince Ugochukwu do not correspond to the facts and we, therefore, have to contradict some main points.

“Mr. Prince Ugochukwu was denied entrance in Switzerland based on an interdiction to enter Switzerland and to stay in the Schengen area issued on December 10, 2014 notified to him on December 12, 2014 and valid until December 9, 2017.”

Herren added that when Ugochukwu was asked whether he would want the Nigerian Consulate in Switzerland or his family to be informed of his arrest, he declined.

“As any detainee, Mr. Prince Ugochukwu was asked during the interview by the police whether he wanted his family, his consulate or his employer to be informed about his arrest, all of which he refused.

He was further asked whether he wanted or needed to see a doctor, he also refused. Nevertheless, he would have been allowed to see medical staff or contact his consulate at any time during his detention,” she said.