Nigeria, Ethiopia sign deal to repatriate over 100 jailed Nigerians

The Federal Government has signed an agreement with Ethiopia that will allow more than 100 Nigerian prisoners serving jail terms in the East African country to be transferred back home to complete 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 top government officials from both countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the agreement as a reflection of the strong commitment of Nigeria and Ethiopia to justice, human rights, and international cooperation.

“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,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified the Ethiopian facilities holding the Nigerians as Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison.

At least four of the inmates have died, and several others are critically ill, according to the minister.

“Your country will not desert you…your president knows you are here,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu told the inmates at Aba Samuel Prisons during a visit.

The minister shared videos of the inmates celebrating the news of their imminent return to Nigeria, and assured that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.

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