By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued a cautionary advisory to Nigerians concerning the possession of laser pointers while travelling to Switzerland.
Ms. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of NiDCOM, emphasized that it is important to caution Nigerians regarding the possession of laser pointers, in light of local regulations prohibiting the ownership of such items in Switzerland.
In a press release issued by Gabriel Odu, Head of the media, public relations, and protocols unit at NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for caution in light of a recent incident involving the detainment of Andrew Etsetowaghan at Geneva Airport.
Etsetowaghan, a public health expert and project director at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria, was detained for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage, a contraband item in Switzerland since June 1, 2019.
He was detained on May 25, 2024, after attending a United States department meeting in Geneva.
Narrating his ordeal, Etsetowaghan said: “Upon going through security at Geneva Airport, I was informed that my presentation pointer was not allowed in Switzerland,” the statement quoted him as saying.
“I was detained, had my belongings and documents seized, and was subjected to several hours of interrogation and solitary confinement in a cell.
“Despite my compliance, the treatment I received was inhumane, including limited access to bathroom facilities and being forced to sign documents in French under duress.”
Responding to the incident, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of raising awareness about such prohibited items in Switzerland Airports.
She urged the Swiss authorities to enhance their communication on such regulations, describing Etsetowaghan’s ordeal as “avoidable”.
The NiDCOM boss also said many immigrants might be unaware of this regulation.
She asked all Nigerian travellers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents
