The Federal Government has concluded arrangements with Ethiopia for the transfer of more than 100 Nigerian inmates currently serving jail terms in the East African country, paving the way for them to complete their sentences in Nigeria.
The agreement was formalised on Friday by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the pact as a reflection of the strong diplomatic ties and shared commitment of both nations to justice, rehabilitation and human dignity.
According to her, the arrangement will allow affected inmates to serve the remainder of their prison terms closer to their families and support networks, a move expected to aid their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.
She noted that family ties, cultural familiarity and social support are crucial factors in the correctional process, adding that the agreement recognises the importance of these elements in helping offenders rebuild their lives.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified the facilities housing the Nigerian prisoners as Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison, both located in Ethiopia.
She disclosed that at least four Nigerian inmates had died in custody, while several others were battling health challenges, underscoring the urgency of the transfer arrangement.
During a visit to inmates at Aba Samuel Prison, the minister reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare, stressing that they had not been abandoned despite their circumstances.
“Your country has not forgotten you. Your President is aware of your situation,” she told the inmates.
The announcement sparked emotional scenes among the prisoners, many of whom reportedly celebrated the news of their impending return to Nigeria.
Videos shared from the visit showed inmates expressing joy and relief after learning about the transfer agreement.
The minister further conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad, regardless of their circumstances, while assuring that the government would continue to pursue measures aimed at supporting citizens in foreign countries.
The transfer arrangement is expected to strengthen judicial cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia while providing affected inmates with a better opportunity for rehabilitation within their home environment.
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