EXTERNALAI Index: AMR 49/03/95

EXTRA 160/95 Ill-treatment / Fear of ill-treatment14 December 1995

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGODr Robert Naidike, Nigerian national

The current whereabouts of Dr Robert Naidike, detained on 28 November 1995, are unknown. This, coupled with allegations that he has already been subjected to beatings, have raised fears that he may be facing further ill-treatment in custody.

On 28 November, Dr Robert Naidike, a Nigerian national facing possible deportation from Trinidad and Tobago, was assaulted by six immigration officers while sitting in his car in Independence Square, Port-of-Spain. The officers then arrested him and took him to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in St. Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, where it he was allegedly subjected to further assaults. Dr Naidike reported that he became unconscious after the assault which left him with small bruises above his right eye, on his lips and feet. He also lost his vision in his left eye and suffered dizzy spells.

According to the information received, Dr Naidike was then removed from CID headquarters to Port-of-Spain General Hospital and underwent treatment for injuries consistent with the allegations of ill-treatment.

On 12 December 1995, Dr Naidike was taken from the hospital by the immigration authorities. Subsequent efforts to locate him have been frustrated by the refusal of the detaining authorities to reveal his whereabouts. There have also been reports of threats being made against those in Trinidad and Tobago who have appealed on Dr Naidike's behalf.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

According to reports, Dr Naidike, Mrs Timi Naidike and Tina Oyadongha are authorized foreign investors in Trinidad and Tobago and are owners of Tinrol Groups Limited. Immigration authorities have refused to grant them residency status.

Although Dr Naidike arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in 1991 and established his business in 1992, his work permit was denied by the immigration authorities in February 1995. His wife was refused entry into Trinidad and Tobago when attempting return from the USA. Tina Oyadongha was imprisoned on 29 August 1995 until her deportation on 15 November 1995.

Dr Naidike's two-year-old daughter, Bolo-ebi Naidike (a Trinidadian citizen) has reportedly been taken into the care of the authorities, but relatives have been denied access to her.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please telephone or send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/airmail letters in English or your own language:

- expressing concern about the reported ill-treatment of Dr Robert Naidike;

- requesting an immediate and impartial investigation into the reports of ill-treatment and for those responsible to be brought to justice;

- urging that, if Dr Naidike remains in detention, he be humanely treated and allowed access to relatives, doctors and lawyers.

APPEALS TO:

The Rt Hon Basdeo Panday

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Office of the Prime Minister

Level 19 Eric Williams Plaza (Twins Towers),

Independence Square, Port-of-Spain

Trinidad and Tobago W.I

Telephone: +1 809 623 2971/4282

Faxes: +1 809 627 3444

Telegrams: Prime Minister, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Salutaton: Dear Prime Minister

The Hon Trevor Sudama

Deputy Prime Minister

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Whitehall, Queen's Park West

Port-of-Spain

Trinidad and Tobago W.I.

Telephone: +1 809 627 9700

Faxes: +1 809 623 8123

Telegrams: Deputy Prime Minister, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Salutation: Dear Deputy Prime Minister

The Hon Sen Brigadier Joseph Theodore

Minister of National Security

Ministry of National Security

Knox Street,

Port-of-Spain

Trinidad & Tobago W.I

Telephone: +1 809 623 2441

Faxes: +1 809 627 8044

Telegrams: National Security Minister, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

The Hon Attorney General

Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Ministry of Legal Affairs

Red House, St Vincent Street

Port-of-Spain

and to diplomatic representatives of Trinidad and Tobago accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 20 January 1996.