Nigeria, Ethiopia Sign Prisoner Transfer Deal To Bring Convicted Citizens Home
In a move aimed at strengthening humanitarian diplomacy and protecting citizens abroad, Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark agreement allowing convicted nationals to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home countries.
The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, with the process facilitated by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos.
Under the agreement, convicted Nigerians and Ethiopians may be transferred home to complete their sentences, subject to legal requirements in both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the pact as a significant step rooted in humanity, justice and international cooperation, noting that family support, language and cultural ties play a vital role in rehabilitation and reintegration.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and revealed plans to visit Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons, where more than 100 Nigerians, including four women, are currently incarcerated in Ethiopia.
She expressed concern that four Nigerian prisoners died while negotiations and ratification processes were ongoing, stressing that the government is determined to secure the return of those still alive.
Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Timothewos said the agreement would further deepen the more than six-decade-old relationship between both countries and enhance cooperation on shared interests.
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