The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has cautioned Nigerian citizens travelling through Switzerland regarding the possession of laser pointers at their airports.

This advisory followed the recent detention of a Nigerian, Dr. Andrew Etsetowaghan, at Geneva Airport for carrying a presentation pointer in his hand luggage.

Blueprint reports that presentation pointers had been banned in Switzerland on June 1, 2019.

The NIDCOM boss in a press statement by the commission’s Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit in Abuja, read: “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NIDCOM, noted that many immigrants might be unaware of this regulation and urged Nigerian travelers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents.”

The statement signed by Gabriel Odu described the medical personnel’s ordeal as “avoidable” and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such prohibited items at Switzerland airports while urging Swiss authorities to enhance communication on such regulations.

Dr. 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 United States Department meeting in Geneva.

Recounting his experinece, Etsetowaghan, who was part of an official delegation, stated: “Upon going through security at Geneva Airport, I was informed that my presentation pointer was not allowed in Switzerland.

“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.”

Dr Etsetowaghan, while calling for measures to prevent such incidents in the future, made case for a review of the procedures and better awareness of the banned items to ensure travelers are well-informed.