Tinubu To Ethiopian-Based Nigerian Inmates: ‘Nigeria Has Not Abandoned You’
A diplomatic breakthrough is set to reunite dozens of Nigerians imprisoned in Ethiopia with their families, following the signing of a landmark prisoner transfer agreement between both countries.
Nearly 100 Nigerians serving prison sentences in Ethiopia may soon be repatriated to complete their jail terms at home after Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a historic Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement.
The development was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Addis Ababa, where she delivered President Bola Tinubu’s message of reassurance that Nigeria had not forgotten its citizens abroad.
The agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, allows eligible inmates to be transferred to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their sentences.
According to Ethiopian authorities, about 98 Nigerian prisoners, including two women, stand to benefit from the arrangement, provided they consent to the transfer and have at least one year of their sentence remaining.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a reflection of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-focused foreign policy and a commitment to justice, humanity and international cooperation.
She urged the inmates to embrace rehabilitation and lawful living upon their return, warning that the initiative should not be seen as a licence for criminal behaviour.
The minister also revealed that four Nigerian inmates died during the lengthy negotiation and documentation process leading to the agreement.
Representing the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Assistant Controller General Aminu Yusuf assured the inmates that arrangements were in place to receive them at the Kuje Correctional Centre before relocation to facilities closer to their families.
The announcement sparked emotional scenes at the prison, with inmates expressing gratitude to the Nigerian government and pledging to become better citizens if repatriated.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic milestone and offers renewed hope to scores of Nigerians seeking a second chance closer to home.
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