THE growing crime concerns involving Afrians, particularly Nigerians and Kenyans, in India has forced the Police in the country to recommend strict visa conditions for the citizens of both countries.
A number of Nigerians and Kenyans have been involved in cases of drug pedlling, e-mail and lottery fraud in the Asian nation in recent times.
According to DNA on Monday, the issue was raised at a conference organised by the Indian Narcotics Control Board in Bangalore in January.
A senior Police officer, who participated in the seminar, said the Police had been experiencing tough times tackling crimes involving Africans. He said many of them violate visa rules and overstay in India.
He said, “If they come on student visa, they do not return to their countries after completing their studies.
“Those on business visas, too, overstay and indulge in crimes. It was then decided to approach the Union government to look into the matter.
“The Union government must treat the issue seriously.
“Visa conditions should be tightened. Nationals from Gulf countries are not able to enter the US easily and get visas after stringent verification. We should also do something similar for African citizens.”
No fewer than 500 Nigerians are said to have been detained in various prisons in India after they were convicted of offences ranging from drug trafficking to cyber crimes and forgery.
A Nigerian, Ndukwe, alias Martin Duke, 31, was detained under the provision of the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Gamblers, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders and Slum Grabbers Act, 1985.
He was booked after being arrested thrice for selling drugs.
Four days ago, three Nigerian footballers in the Indian League were arrested for allegedly running a sex racket.
Time of India named them as Adeola Hassan, Michael Tayo and Wahid Abdulahi.