PCMM urges Amb Tuggar to intervene in  case of Nigerian framed for sexual assault in Cairo

Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM) , a platform that discuses and helps people on the move, has called on Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister,  Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar , to intervene in the case of a Nigerian framed for sexual assault at Cairo International Airport by Egyptian policemen recently. 

The victim, Rev Dr Israel Kristilere, a  Senior Pastor of SheperdHill Baptist Church Obanikoro Lagos and CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Limited, a private Christian pilgrimage company was accused of sexually assaulting a woman he had seen or met in his entire life. 

He was threatened with a jail term and subjected to all manners of mental torture to make him admit to a crime he never committed. The cleric shared his experience in a viral video where he called the attention of Nigerians and the government to the atrocities being perpetrated against the citizens by Egyptian policemen at Cairo Airport.  

He later was let off the hook following the refusal of 27 other pilgrims he was leading to Amman to board the plane until their leader was released.  More than a month after the dehumanising incident, the Nigerian government hasn’t deemed necessary to condemn the action.  

Worried by the ugly development, the PCMM in a statement titled ‘Condemnation of the Unjust Treatment of a Nigerian Pilgrimage Practitioner by Egyptian Police’ described the incident as a serious issue that warrants immediate attention and redress  The statement signed by the Executive Secretary Chioma Bukola Awokoya, reads: “We, the members of Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM) write to express our deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recent incident involving a Nigerian pilgrimage practitioner at Cairo International Airport, Egypt while on transit. “The practitioner encountered the Egyptian police and was nearly framed for an offense he did not commit. This incident is not only a grave injustice but also a violation of his basic human rights. Such actions by the Egyptian police at the airport are unacceptable and deeply troubling.

 “They undermined the trust and cooperation that should exist between our nations, particularly in matters of religious pilgrimage and peaceful travel. The unfair treatment and attempted framing of our citizens is a serious issue that warrants immediate attention and redress.” 

The PCMM went on to call upon the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently intervene in this matter. “It is imperative that the Egyptian authorities are held accountable for their actions, and that steps are taken to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerian citizens transiting through Cairo airport. We request that the Ministry: 1.Demands an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible are appropriately disciplined.

2. Ensures the safety and protection of all Nigerian citizens traveling through and to Egypt.

3. Strengthens diplomatic measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.We trust that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take swift and decisive action to address this serious issue and uphold the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens.”