The UN refugee agency on Thursday criticised Nigeria for breaching international agreements after the leader of a Cameroonian anglophone separatist movement and his supporters were extradited at Yaounde’s request.

The UNHCR said it learned “with great concern” about the case of Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, who was sent back to Cameroon this week with 46 others.

They were arrested in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on January 5.

Cameroon has called the 47 “terrorists” and said they would “answer for their crimes”, as tensions mount in the Southwest and Northwest Regions, home to most of the country’s English-speakers.

They have complained about decades of economic inequality and social injustice at the hands of the French-speaking majority.

Ayuk Tabe wants the two regions to separate from the French-speaking part of the country.

On October 1 last year, his movement made a symbolic declaration of independence.

The UNHCR said most of the 47 sent back to Cameroon had submitted asylum claims in Nigeria.

“Their forcible return is in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, which constitutes the cornerstone of international refugee law,” it said in a statement.

Non-refoulement, a French term, is the practice of not forcing refugees or asylum-seekers to go back to a country where they could be persecuted.

“The returns were carried out despite UNHCR’s efforts and engagement with the authorities,” the agency said.

“UNHCR reminds Nigeria of its obligations under international and Nigerian law, and urges the Nigerian Government to refrain from forcible returns of Cameroonian asylum-seekers back to their country of origin.”

Human rights groups have called on Cameroon to ensure those detained get a fair trial and are well-treated.

Cameroonian President Paul Biya strongly opposes secession and has flooded both regions with troops, imposed curfews, conducted raids and slapped restrictions on travel.

An estimated 30,000 English-speakers have fled Cameroon to Nigeria.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/un-slams-nigeria-cameroon-extradition/

Jd

i am beginning to believe NK that this country is a cursed , quack zoo filled with useless good for nothing vultures, so the cameroonians that came to seek refuge in the country were arrested by useless pigs and handed over to cameroon while the armed herdsmen that are wiping off Nigerian citizens are still allowed and welcome through the borders.

Tufiakwa !!! for this horrendous tragedy happening in Nigeria and those who stupidly stew in it

I will vote Buhari, to help facilitate our dream.

Shithole country. Long live Biafra

Why would that old man that has refused to leave Cameroon alone support secession under his watch.Nigeria has a lot on her plate and we don't want any Cameroonian wahala they should settle their problem.

Very dumb move

Shit hole Zoo, obviously took that action to get cameroon's support should incase Biafra rise tomorrow.

Buhari no get sense

this is a huge disgrace, that Nigeria would cave in to the demands of a despot called biya is buhari not mad. even south Africa refused to cave in to the demand of the ICC to arrest Al Bashir of Sudan when he was in South Africa.

This govt has disgraced and embarrassed this country, enough is enough.