Crime News
Over 700 Nigerians Jailed In China Lament: “We Are Not Seen As Humans; They See Us As Animals”
Jan 27, 2013 – Over 700 Jailed Nigerians In China Prisons Beg President Jonathan For Help- ““We are not seen as human beings; they see us as animals”
Their original anger, frustration and bitterness have crystallised into melancholy. Apparently helpless, dejected and depressed, they are crying for justice. They are friends and relatives of Nigerians who are languishing in various prisons in far-away China, for offences ranging from illegal entry and expired travel documents to drug trafficking. There are also, cases of Nigerian inmates who did not know why they were arrested.
They just found themselves in the prisons. Ever since Sunday Sun in its issue of December 25, 2011, reported that over 1000 Nigerians were languishing in China prisons, the families of the inmates have been making frantic efforts through several civil and government agencies to secure the freedom of their loved ones, many of whom are allegedly there on trumped up charges. However, the matter took a new turn on January 1, 2013, when at about 1am, a Nigerian prisoner who identified himself simply as Paul, cried out from Beijing Prisons in China to Sunday Sun, to help tell the world that they were grappling with the worst kind of treatment prisoners could face anywhere in the world. Again at about 3am on January 16, 2013, Paul screamed again that they were dying and this time, he gave an disturbing figure of over 700 Nigerians still rotting in Chinese jails.
“Please my brother, we are dying. We are over 700 hundred Nigerians in various prisons here. Our health condition is very terrible. If you are sick, nobody takes you to the hospital. The kind of food they serve us here is better not tasted. It is tasteless. In fact, I lack the proper word to describe the kind of food they serve us. We spend heavily on our feeding from the money our families in Nigeria send to us. It is really bad and I hope you understand what I mean when I say it is bad. What is bad is bad and it is bad,” Paul said in subdued tone.
On what he wants done for them, he said: “We want our president, Goodluck Jonathan to hear our cry and come to our aid. There is a new policy here in China that empowers other countries to come and take their citizens back to their countries for prosecution. We call on Nigerian government to take advantage of that law and rescue us from this hell called prison. “We would gladly like to face prosecution back home if they say we committed any offence because here, we are not prosecuted. They just dumped us in the cell, even when most of us did not do anything to warrant being here. We appeal to the President and all Nigerians to remember that their kith and kin, most of who are innocent, are languishing in China and they should do something to save our lives.”
Corroborating Paul’s tale of woes, another jailed Nigerian who identified himself as Ayowale, said he was released on Tuesday last week, and returned to Nigeria on Wednesday, January 23. He said he went to China in 2004 and had been doing business in that country until he was arrested on February 22, 2006 on charges of credit card fraud. He told Sunday Sun that although he told the Chinese authorities that he was innocent because he was engaged in buying shoes and baby clothes and sending same to his people in Nigeria who usually remit the money to him after sales, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on March 10, 2007.
“I was a businessman based in China and my business was buying shoes and baby wears and sending them back home after which the money is remitted to me for more purchases. Sometimes, I would even go to Thailand and Malaysia to buy products that I would send home for sale. That was my business until I was arrested and charged with credit card fraud. “It is better not to go to court because they will provide a lawyer who will do the government’s bidding. Whatever you tell your lawyer will be used against you in the court of law. And you can’t get a lawyer of your own except the one provided for you by the government”, he said.
The man who served in Beijing prisons number two, where it was gathered, over 70 Nigerians are languishing, said life in jail was terrible. He said they worked until recently when the authorities introduced the work system. “I refused to do any work since I had almost finished my term when they introduced it. I also don’t know the kind of work they do in the factories but from what I observed, the work is so tedious and terrible because it tells on them. They wake up early in the morning, go to factory and come back around noon but by 2pm, they are back in the factory to work till night. They no longer sleep or rest as before.
These are the people that are very sick. Now tell me, how do you want them to get well? We went out once in a week and they allowed us only one hour. People are dying there in the prisons,” he stated. Narrating his ordeals in jail, Ayowale said: “You serve your sentence by points but the way they calculate the point is confusing. People die like fowls in the prisons. It is in their law that people above 65 years of age should not be in prison, but we have people that are more than 70 years in our prison.
There was a Japanese who was above 90 but he was in the same prison with us. “Life is really terrible there. Look at my skin. When I was arrested, my skin was smooth but look at what the condition in the prison turned my skin to. You can see the infections I contracted from inside the prison. I pleaded with the prison authorities for more than six years to take me to the hospital but nobody listened. I cried day and night but nobody listened.” Accusing the Chinese government of treating the Nigerian embassy officials in China with disdain, he said: “Each time we complained to our Embassy, the embassy would write to them and they (Chinese) would book appointment with the Embassy but they never honoured the appointments.
They toy with our Embassy as they like and they are not straight- forward. I want our government to know that the Chinese government does not respond to the Nigerian Embassy the way they respond to other countries that have embassies there. The way they treat Nigerians is painful. They are rude to our government. I urge our government to find solution to the way Chinese government treats our Embassy and citizens there. Nigerians are dying in prison.” On the quality of food in the prisons, he said: “We feed ourselves because even pigs cannot eat the kind of food they give us. They serve us white rice without stew in the morning, afternoon and night. A lot of people have become diabetic; some have developed vision impairment due to what they eat.
They injected some of us three times daily to suppress the effect of the diabetes. They can’t take you to the hospital where you can get proper medical care. We feed ourselves and we spend $60 every month to do that.” Ayo, who is worried that he didn’t know the kind of skin infection he contracted, urged the Nigerian government to do something urgent to save the lives of Nigerians in Chinese jails who are the brink of death due to illnesses like diabetes, High Blood Pressure, chronic cough and weakness of the bones.
He lamented: “I don’t even know the kind of infection that I have contracted. All I know is that it comes and disappears, leaving black spots on my skin as you can see. Sometimes, it appears after I have eaten certain food. For six years and 11 months, I battled with the disease without any assistance from the prison authorities.” Another Nigerian who came back recently to Nigeria from Dun guan City Prisons in China, painted a more dreadful picture of life in Chinese jailhouses.
The source that identified himself as Ejima, a native of Ebonyi State, said he travelled to China in January 2006 but was arrested on November 10, 2007. He said he was jailed for seven years but spent five years and two months before he was released on January 10, 2013. According to him, he was released before his seven years term because he worked hard in the factory as a prisoner. Ejima summed up the situation the fate of Nigerians in China thus: “We are not seen as human beings; they see us as animals, especially Nigerians.” (source)
John Doe
January 27, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Lol…They say the asian see them as animal, are they not animal?
Ugwu Steve
January 27, 2013 at 10:10 AM
John Doe, u must b a sadist for makin such a comment.
justice forall
January 27, 2013 at 7:04 PM
To start with, i don’t even know the idiot that gave u that name , maybe yourstupid parents; Here in Europe & in the US, you Asians are the lowest of all creatures, one of you who work for me as a cleaner, go home everyday with the leftover & even pick from the rubish to feed her family; “cos she says in Asia there is no such thing as throwaway; One most disturbong thing about you idiots is that you are not real humans from your entire body to your speech impaired disorderness Hence you all work so hard to recreat your body from your stunted growth to yur eyes, nose and most of you have now resorted to cutting off your tongues entirely so that we humanbenigs can try to hear when you open your smelling mouth to say something or utter a word.
Handsome Demilade
February 19, 2013 at 6:39 AM
Your mother and your father is animal ..useless free burn of bantorigium..i hate you john doe your family is the most worst animal forver
Handsome Demilade
February 19, 2013 at 6:45 AM
I love you most and forever my fathers land nigeria my best country i we serve you with honnor and respect forever ..the most bless country in the world …Asians are the most burn animal in the word and they are the most bastard forever in there life.
mike
January 27, 2013 at 7:58 AM
John you and your ancestors are the animals. Asian fool. I even wonder what nigerians find in dat useless continent. Racist John Doe
Handsome Demilade
February 19, 2013 at 6:53 AM
Mike i like you so much..nigerian give speach to the useless john Doe to talk to there entire family over there not my fathers land..Am using opportunity to advice all nigeria to live asian country bcoz they are created with the agony of God..God we never ever happy with them forever..Asian i caurse you forever with john Doe they are all animal.
felicita
January 27, 2013 at 8:30 AM
@john Doe you are a crazy fuck.. You’re the animal you racists
Handsome Demilade
February 19, 2013 at 6:35 AM
China is the most worse country in the word i never advise my people to be there for know reason..they are all fool and idiot ..chinas are bastard they are burn as animal not nigeria..
Handsome Demilade
February 19, 2013 at 6:47 AM
John Doe forever your family is bastard and the most animal in there i hate forever.
tina
January 27, 2013 at 8:42 AM
@ john doe Dats a callous tin to say.people r dyin and u r callin dem animals.e fit be u…
Evergreen
January 27, 2013 at 9:05 AM
Pls mr. President ve mercy on them..
Maxzy
January 27, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Even animals have their on right
Udoka
January 27, 2013 at 9:53 AM
@john, you must be a big IDIOT. Tanx.
zax
January 27, 2013 at 11:47 AM
must nigerians keep on going there
Handsome Demilade
February 19, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Mr GOOD LUCK PLEASE FOR GOD SAKE HELP OUR PEOPLE OVER THERE ..THE ASIANS ARE MAKE US ANIMAL ..WE ALL NEED YOUR HELP OVER BCOZ WE ARE NOT ANIMAL ..MR PRESIDENT PLEASE USE YOUR POWER AND AUTORITY TO HELP OUR PEOPLE OUT OF THE ASIAN PRISON..I WE FOREVER BE YOURS MR PRESIDENT I LOVE NIGERA AND PROMISE TO SERVE MY LAND.HELP WITH YOUR POWER AS OUR PRESIDENT.. PLEASE MR GOOD LUCK EBELE JONALTHAN ..ALL NIGERIA PLEAD AND HONNOR YOU.HEAR CRY OUR CRY BCOZ OUR PEOPLE DYING IN PRISON IN CHINESE AND INSULT US AS ANIMAL.WE ALL NEED YOUR POWER..
Roger Gara
January 27, 2013 at 12:36 PM
Dis shud b a warning to those Nigerians who are desperate to jet out of d country for illegal trades in foreign countries, experience they say is d best but in dis issue reverse is the case. Be warned u might not live to tell d story!
Oge ugbeleme
January 27, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Search of greener pasture have caused alot of problems to nigerians.
Gods time
January 27, 2013 at 1:26 PM
John doe Ɣ☺U̶̲̥̅̊ are A̶̲̥̅̊ big time fool aboki
Mikado
January 27, 2013 at 4:17 PM
why can’t we impose sanctions on China goods in Nigeria for they believe without them we go out of wares. If we negate their market China will for sure feel us and see our people as humans that are vital to their economy not animals. Mr President it is time for fresh air. Extend it to our people in the diaspora. God help us.
flozywhite
January 27, 2013 at 6:57 PM
Our President pls hear the cry of the less privelage onces pls appease unto their need.
flozywhite
January 27, 2013 at 6:58 PM
first commiter john, if you have notin to comit, go home n think your life.
Nice Girl
January 27, 2013 at 6:58 PM
What are Nigerians looking for in China ? somebody please tell me.
Jasperdgr8
January 27, 2013 at 7:17 PM
I dnt want 2 bliv we av ppl 4rm china in nigeria if we av we should make dem pay 4 wat dia useless government is doin, nt only china even malaysia, as 4 dat moron @john doe if u walk in a market dnt throw stone u myt hit 1 of ur own, remember d life u save 2day mayb urs i pray u av sumbody der
Platinum
January 27, 2013 at 8:05 PM
I can’t imagine why would someone think that it’s china that he or she would find greener pasture if not for drug business ,china of all country ,what they have is not even enough for them ,very soon we will here that our Nigerians are in Somalia looking for greener pasture ,I must travel.i begiiiiii .
Star
January 27, 2013 at 8:28 PM
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN PLEASE INTERVENE IN NIGERIAN PEOPLES AFFAIRS IN CHINA. IF ANYTHING LET THEM BE RELEASED AND DEPORTED BACK TO NIGERIA.
Ayomide
January 28, 2013 at 12:47 AM
i CANNOT BLAME CHINESE AND NIGERIA TREAT CHINESE IN NIGERIA LIKE A KING.NIGERIANS SHOULD ALSO STOP THEIR 419 HABIT.THE EVIL THAT MEN DO WALK AFTER THEM. GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN GOLD
singlekings
January 28, 2013 at 9:46 AM
for those of you who are saying.what is Nigerians doing in Asia.its better u reason with wisdom.u should ask urself what is Asians doing in Nigeria.they are called expert in Nigeria.we are called criminals in there country.they r in Nigeria taking the Job that those boys in there country are supposed to doing.i dnt believe that someone with a nice job in nigeria will travel to Asia
OLABISI QUADRI
January 28, 2013 at 11:46 AM
NOT ALL NIGERIANS ARE BAD, GOING OUT TO LOOK FOR GREANER PASTURES IN LIFE IS NOT A CRIME EITHER. HOME IS HOME AS IT IS SAID BUT SOMETIMES MAN CAN DECIDE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH OF HUMANITY. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD WORK ON HELPING ITS CITIZEN BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE COUNTRY ESPECIALLY THOSE CRYING FOR HER HELP. FOR THE OTHER ALIANS, PLEASE BITE YOURSELF FIRST AND SEE HOW YOU FEEL BEFORE YOU COMMENT BECAUSE WE ARE ALL MORTALS AND WITHIN ANY NATION, FINDS THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY. WE HAVE SAMPLES ALL OVER THE WORLD. PLEASE WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS NOT ANIMALS IRRESPECTIVE OF OUR WRONG. DON’T OFFEND YOUR CREATOR. YOU DON’T KNOW TOMMORROW.
OLABISI QUADRI
January 28, 2013 at 11:49 AM
AYOMIDE YOU ARE RIGHT IN SOME WAYS BUT, IN MOST CASES THE INNOCENT ONES SUFFER THE DEEDS OF THE WICKED ONES.
Oluwatomisin Elizabeth
January 28, 2013 at 2:31 PM
Oh no! This is really terrible. President Goodluck, pls do something before these love ones lose their lives. It is so pathetic.
Oyerinmade Toyin
February 1, 2013 at 9:32 PM
Please President Goodluck Jonathan do something fast 2 prevent d lives of those loving ones
Mullah
April 17, 2013 at 5:16 PM
NIGERIANS HAVE BAD MANNERS, IN THE CHINESE CLUBS THEY BRAG ABOUT COCAINE AND THAT THEY SELL TO WHITE PEOPLE TO KILL THEM, THEY MIX THE SHIIT WITH ANYTYPE OF FUCKING SHIIT THEY FIND IN THE PHARMACYS, THEN THEY BUY BOTTLES AND DRINK AND FIGHT EVERYONE..MOTHA FUCKA THIS IS NOT YOUR COUNTRY WHOS INNOCENT DID YOU KNOW THE LEGALL SYSTEM IN CHINA IS VERY GOOD. IF THEY DONT CATCH YOU RED HANDED YOU NEVER GO TO JAIL, STOP YOUR DRUG BUSINESS YOUR SHADY CREDIT CARD FRAUD FIND A DECENT JOB AND NOTHING HAPPENDS TO YOU..WHEN THEY GO TO JAIL THEY CRY AND ASK FOR MERCY…WHEN THEY ARE OUT THEY THINK THEY ARE KINGS OF THE WORLD..IM NOT RACIST THIS IS FACT ANYONE THAT HAS BEEN TO CHINA KNOWS HOW THEY ARE, THEY TREAT YOU LIKE ANIMALS BECUASE YOU ARE RUDE TO THEM YOU THINK YOUR ABOVE LAW..ITS ZERO TOLLERANCE WITH DRUGS IN ASIA YOUR PLAYING WITH FIRE…HOPE OTHERS LEARN BUT IN CHINA IF YOU NEED DRUGS ITS THE NIGERIANS THAT HAVE IT SAME IN INDIA, DUBAI, THAILAND, CHINA, VIETNAM, CAMBODJA, MAN WAT DO YOU EXPEKT…YOU MAKE YOUR OWN BED NOW SLEEP IN IT..!!! ALL THAT BOTTLE BYING WHEN YOUR MOM IS CRYING FOR FOOR AT HOME AINT GOING TO HELP YOU..SAVE YOUR MONEY ONE YEAR THEN GET THE FUCK OUT IF YOUR LUCKY..BYING PROSTITUTES DOING DRUGS AND SHADY BUSINESS NOW SLEEP IN THE SHIIT WICH YOU CREATED..!!!
michael
May 20, 2016 at 1:36 PM
But Asians or Chinese are also somewhere in the world perpetrating their own one illegal bizness or the other.see john, no country is free of wrong deals ok, so that will not make u call your fellows human beings such name ok. cut ur mouths short for Chinese are till doing some bad deals here in Nigeria and they are being treated also with care n love as humans.at least little love n mercy and not with total disrespect n hatred ok