By Jonathan Ugbal
The 64 Nigerians including two infants detained in Uganda since April 25, 2026, by the National Citizenship and Immigration Control, NCIC are set to depart for Lagos today after charges were dropped and the $400 fine was waived.
Their release follows interventions by the Nigerian Government and activists who pressured the Ugandan government into dropping the charges preferred against them and waiving the USD400 (about NGN548,000 and UGX1.5 mln) fine levied on them.
“They were released from their cells this morning and are still within the prison facility in the outskirts of Kampala” a source familiar with the matter told CrossRiverWatch.
“They have been given their belongings with flight tickets. They are waiting for a bus to convey them to the airport where they will be processed and returned to Nigeria,” the source added.
READ: Five Cross Riverians, 2 Babies Among 64 Nigerians Arrested In Uganda
Flight Details And Departure Time
They are expected to board Uganda Airlines flight UR900 slated to depart Entebbe International Airport by 14:45EAT (12:45 Nigerian Time) and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos by 17:15 (local time).
The flight will be operated by Uganda Airlines Airbus A330-800 which ferried the group to Entebbe on August 11th, 2025.
Data from FlightRadar24 showed a Nigerian Government Bombardier Challenger 605 with registration number 5N-FGZ departed Entebbe at 10:36 EAT (8:26 WAT).
READ ALSO: Ugandan Authorities Demand $400 From 64 Detained Nigerians Or Face Prosecution
While details of the manifest remain unclear, the aircraft had remained in Entebbe since May 11th after it arrived following a nearly four hour flight from Abuja, Nigeria.
However, information from Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power, shows that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume represented the President, Bola Tinubu at the seventh inauguration ceremony of Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan President.
It is unclear whether the conversation about the arrested Nigerians formed part of Mr. Akume’s conversation with Mr. Museveni later on, as the Nigerian Government has remained mum since the issue came to light.
Background On The Raid
The Nigerians were part of a religious program organised by Exalting Jesus Life Missions. They arrived in Uganda on August 11, 2025.
Their lodge was raided on the morning of April 25th, 2026, by the NCIC while they were saying morning prayers.
They were then moved to the outskirts of Kampala where they have been detained since then.
Furthermore, the NCIC claimed the arrest occurred on April 27th while insiders say the arrest occurred 48 hours earlier.
At least five Cross Riverians and one resident were part of the delegation.
More details later…
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