The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised citizens to avoid traveling with laser pointers to Switzerland and to familiarize themselves with local laws.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, issued this advisory in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu from the media, public relations, and protocols unit on June 7.
Dabiri-Erewa’s caution comes after Andrew Etsetowaghan was recently detained at Geneva Airport for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage. Laser pointers have been banned in Switzerland since June 1, 2019.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that Etsetowaghan was unaware of this regulation.
A laser pointer is a hand-held device used to highlight objects, for entertainment, to scare off animals, or to deter people.
Etsetowaghan, a public health expert and project director at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria, was detained on May 25, 2024, after attending a U.S. Department meeting in Geneva.
Etsetowaghan, who was part of an official delegation, shared his experience following the incident.
“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.”
Etsetowaghan urged for “measures to prevent such incidents in the future, a review of the procedures and better awareness of the banned items to ensure travelers are well-informed”.
In response to the incident, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the importance of raising awareness about prohibited items in Swiss airports.
She urged the Swiss authorities to improve communication regarding such regulations, describing Etsetowaghan’s ordeal as “avoidable.”
The NiDCOM chief also noted that many immigrants might be unaware of this policy.
She advised all Nigerian travelers to exercise caution to prevent similar incidents.
