Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prison
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reassured Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia that they have not been forgotten by their country, following the signing of a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Ojukwu conveyed the message during a visit to Nigerian inmates at the Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia, describing the agreement as a major humanitarian milestone aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians incarcerated abroad.
Addressing the inmates, the minister delivered a message of hope on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Your Country will not desert you…Your President knows you are here,” she said.
According to Ojukwu, the recently signed agreement will provide a legal framework for eligible Nigerian prisoners serving sentences in Ethiopia to be transferred to Nigeria to complete their terms under mutually agreed conditions.
She noted that the deal was the product of lengthy negotiations, judicial reviews and diplomatic engagements between both countries.
“We signed, a few days ago, a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement with the Government of Ethiopia,” she stated.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered before the agreement was finalised, the minister disclosed that four Nigerian inmates died during the period it took to conclude the process.
“We have lost four Nigerian Prisoners within the time frame it has taken for the negotiations, judicial vetting and the final conclusion of this agreement,” she said.
Ojukwu described the pact as one founded on shared values of compassion and international cooperation.
“This Agreement is rooted in the principles of humanity, justice and cooperation between our two nations,” she added.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for its collaboration throughout the process.
“I wish, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for whom the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a priority, to convey our sincere appreciation to the Government and People of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,” she said.
While urging Nigerians living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, Ojukwu stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the rights of its citizens, even when they encounter legal troubles overseas.
“While we continue to encourage our citizens living and traveling abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, and uphold the good name of our nation, we also remain committed to ensuring that those who find themselves in conflict with the law will not be totally abandoned to their fate but accorded their rights under applicable legal frameworks,” she said.
The prisoner transfer agreement is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia while providing a pathway for eligible inmates to serve their remaining sentences closer to their families and support networks in Nigeria.
