Nearly 100 Nigerians serving prison terms in Ethiopia will soon be transferred home to complete their sentences following the signing of a prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie. The arrangement was facilitated by the foreign ministers of both countries as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on justice and humanitarian matters.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message to the inmates at Aba Samuel Prison, assuring them that the Nigerian government would not abandon its citizens abroad. She said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.
According to the minister, the agreement covers 98 Nigerian inmates, comprising 96 men and two women. To qualify for transfer, inmates must voluntarily consent to the arrangement and have at least one year remaining on their prison terms. She also urged the prisoners to cooperate with officials handling the required documentation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the agreement aligns with the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy agenda. While emphasizing that the deal was based on humanity and justice, she warned that it should not be seen as a licence for criminal behaviour or impunity. She also disclosed that at least four Nigerians died during the negotiation process before the agreement was finalized.
The development was welcomed by the inmates, who reportedly celebrated the announcement and pledged to maintain good conduct. Officials said the first group of prisoners is expected to be transferred to Nigeria once all consent forms and administrative procedures have been completed.