The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has cautioned Nigerian citizens travelling through Switzerland about carrying laser pointers in their hand luggage at airports.
This advisory comes after Dr. Andrew Etsetowaghan was detained at Geneva Airport for having a presentation pointer in his hand luggage. It was noted that laser pointers used during presentations have been banned in Switzerland since June 1, 2019.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that many travellers might be unaware of this regulation and urged Nigerian travellers to exercise caution to avoid similar incidents.
Describing Dr. Etsetowaghan’s ordeal as “avoidable,” the NiDCOM boss emphasised the need to raise awareness about such prohibited items at Swiss airports and urged Swiss authorities to improve their communication regarding these regulations.
Dr. Andrew 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.
Dr. Etsetowaghan, who was part of an official delegation, said, “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 called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He urged a review of procedures and better awareness of banned items to ensure travellers are well-informed.