The Federal Government has begun the process of repatriating over 100 Nigerian prisoners currently serving sentences in Ethiopia, following the signing of a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement between both countries in Addis Ababa.
The agreement was signed during a bilateral engagement between Nigeria and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, aimed at enabling eligible Nigerian inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences in Nigeria under existing legal frameworks.
The Nigerian delegation, which included the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was received on arrival in Addis Ababa by Ethiopian officials ahead of the formal signing ceremony.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, who confirmed the development, the agreement covers Nigerian inmates held in Ethiopian correctional facilities, including Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison, with over 100 Nigerians expected to benefit from the transfer arrangement.
She said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on ensuring that citizens in foreign custody are treated with dignity and in line with international legal standards.
Bianca Ojukwu further disclosed that four Nigerian prisoners died during the long period of negotiations, judicial vetting, and administrative processes that preceded the final ratification of the agreement, describing the development as a painful reminder of the urgency of the deal.
She added that the agreement represents a milestone in bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia and a product of sustained diplomatic engagement between both countries.
While encouraging Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, she stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring that citizens who run into legal trouble overseas are treated fairly and accorded their rights under applicable international and domestic legal frameworks.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for the gradual transfer of eligible inmates to Nigeria, where they will serve the remainder of their sentences under the supervision of relevant authorities.