Jubilation as FG Secures Deal to Bring 100+ Nigerian Inmates Home from Ethiopia

The Federal Government has signed an agreement with Ethiopia that will allow more than 100 Nigerian inmates serving prison terms in the East African country to be transferred home to complete the remainder of their sentences.

The agreement was signed on Friday by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior officials from both countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the arrangement as a reflection of the commitment of both nations to justice, rehabilitation and human dignity.

According to her, the agreement recognises the important role that family support systems, cultural ties, language and social connections play in the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.

“This arrangement also recognises the critical role of family support, language, culture and social connections in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, thereby facilitating opportunities for reform and eventual reintegration into society,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the affected Nigerians are being held primarily at Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia.

She revealed that at least four Nigerian inmates have died while in custody, while several others are reportedly battling serious health conditions.

During a visit to inmates at Aba Samuel Prison, the minister conveyed assurances from the Nigerian government that efforts were underway to facilitate their transfer home.

“Your country will not desert you. Your President knows you are here,” she told the inmates.

Videos shared by the minister showed emotional scenes as inmates celebrated news of the agreement and the prospect of returning to Nigeria.

She reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of Nigerians abroad, noting that the government would continue engaging foreign partners to ensure the humane treatment of Nigerian citizens in detention overseas.

The agreement is expected to ease the process of family contact and support for the affected inmates while strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia on justice and correctional administration.