Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that ex-Big Brother Naija star, Tayo Faniran, has been released from police custody in South Africa.

Recall that the ex-BBA star was arrested on Thursday after an altercation with South African police officers.

In a statement on Twitter; Dabiri said SA police claimed that Faniran was rude and shouted at them when he was stopped.

READ ALSO: South African police harass, strangle ex-BBNaija star as they try to arrest him [Video]

The Chairman of Diaspora, however, condemned the SA Police for rough handling Faniran.

“Still on the incident involving ex BBN star, Tayo. He is out of Police net. Our mission in Joburg took it up with the authorities.

“They claimed he was rude and shouted at them immediately he was stopped. No matter, the Police behaviour was wrong. We are trying to reach Tayo, Abike’s statement reads.

Abike Dabiri’s statement has begun to generate diverse reactions on Twitter as many praised her for the timely intervention.

Some also called on the federal government to safeguard its citizens in the diaspora especially the xenophobic attacks prevalent in South Africa.

Others blamed Faniran for his woes saying “Tayo was a bit rude in that video. No matter your residency status in another man’s country, you’re always a secondary citizen…”

Meanwhile, Faniran has confirmed his release and thanked well-meaning individuals for their support.

See Faniran’s video and some reactions on Twitter:

Olaoluwa Nelson: @omooyomomi said; “Thank you for your timely intervention ma; in an environment where there is distrust between law enforcement units& the people, both sides are bound to always be on immediate defensive mode wherever they meet.Police everywhere needs to make us feel safe around them.

Tes @teslimjuwon said; ‘Good one! Still it is well known that no man of the @PoliceNG would treat a foreigner like that! @abikedabiri kindly help relate with our government to do all they can to fix our home country so that our citizens don’t go outside so much and face this kind of mess.

Afolabi Kamil @kamilafolabi said; “Tayo was a bit rude in that video. No matter your residency status in another man’s country, you’re always a secondary citizen…”

Olufadeju @olulion said “Even at home, its rude to shout at law enforcement officers, you can report them to the authorities if they are rude to you on duty, even here in naija one can still attempt to report @PoliceNG_CRU. for possible remedy.

Chinenye Olugazie @olugazie said “See Nigerians drinking panadol for SA police while the rotten Nigeria police commits worse atrocities on the citizens its meant to protect. If people in authority do the right thing and give Nigerians a good life will we be running away? Make I hear word abeg.

Deinde Olokodana @deindeo said “Well done ma! But I think we’ve been rubbing these people’s heads 2 much. It haff do! I think its time
@MBuhari should call @CyrilRamaphosa to stop this profilings & victimizations of Nigerians. I don’t think South Africans would like reciprocity on this.

Adebayo Adebowale @Adebayo62391186 said “Thank you, ma’am… The SA are getting it wrong oh we saw the video…
Even if his rude as they say must they beat him …so if he makes attempt to beat them back, that means Tayo we be dead by now…the freedom they are enjoying today Nigeria take huge impact.

Admax™ @admaxworld said “Thank you for coming through for @Tayofaniran. When are we going to sanction South Africa for these atrocities? How long do we endure the killing of Nigerians at hotels, on the streets and at the hands of their police? Does it not appear the FGN is treating this with kids glove?

Dr Isaac #CHAMP!!@zikaay said “Being “rude” is not a reason to manhandle anybody who poses no threat: it’s basically an excuse. It’s their word against his and we should stand up for ours first, not spread a claim. And we need to stand up to SA authorities the way Nigerians are being man-handled, killed,maimed

“Our obsequious stance to this protracted issue is sad. Whatever tale they give us we accept: we probably should shut down some of our missions if all they can do is relay messages. Have we summoned SA Ambassador to explain what they are doing to ensure the safety of our citizens’ ma’am?

Eniola! Imisioluwa! Zion @bisimichaelng said “It is imperative for Nigerians living in diaspora to eschew unruly attitude to constituted authorities. Had the treatment gone extreme, we will here feeling pains. So many unsavory optics of Nigerians living abroad. God bless and keep those living responsibly abroad.amen