Jubilation in Ethiopian Prisons as Nigeria Secures Repatriation Deal for Nearly 100 Inmates

Scores of Nigerian inmates serving prison sentences in Ethiopia erupted in celebration after the Federal Government announced a landmark prisoner transfer agreement that will allow them to return home to complete their jail terms.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of reassurance to the inmates during a visit to Aba Samuel Prison on Thursday, telling them that Nigeria had not abandoned its citizens abroad.

“Your country has not forsaken you,” the minister said, delivering the president’s message to the prisoners.

The visit came a day after Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement in Addis Ababa, paving the way for the repatriation of about 100 Nigerian prisoners currently serving sentences in Ethiopian correctional facilities.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for her country. The deal was facilitated through diplomatic engagements led by the foreign ministers of both nations.

According to Ethiopian authorities, about 98 Nigerian inmates — including two women — are expected to benefit from the arrangement, provided they consent to the transfer and have at least one year remaining on their sentences.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a product of the citizen-centred diplomacy embedded in President Tinubu’s 4-D foreign policy framework of Diplomacy, Democracy, Development and Demography under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the pact was founded on the principles of humanity, justice and bilateral cooperation, while emphasizing that the government remained committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

The minister disclosed that four Nigerian inmates died during the period of negotiations and legal processes leading to the conclusion of the agreement.

While assuring the inmates of government support, she cautioned that the transfer should not be viewed as encouragement for unlawful behaviour.

“This is not a licence for impunity,” she warned, urging the inmates to embrace rehabilitation, self-improvement and lawful means of livelihood upon their return to Nigeria.

She encouraged them to cooperate fully with Ethiopian prison authorities by completing the necessary consent and documentation procedures required for the transfer.

The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for skills acquisition, technical training and capacity building to support the reintegration of returning inmates into society.

“I implore you to chart a new path when you return home. This government remains committed to assisting you to build a better future,” she said.

Representing the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Assistant Controller-General of Corrections (Operations), Aminu Yusuf, assured the inmates that arrangements were already being made to receive them in Nigeria.

He explained that the returnees would initially be processed at the Kuje Correctional Centre before being transferred to facilities closer to their families, where necessary.

“Once all documentation is completed, we look forward to welcoming you back to Nigeria,” Yusuf said.

The announcement sparked emotional scenes inside the prison facility, with inmates singing and applauding President Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and their legal representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the prisoners, their spokesperson welcomed the agreement and pledged that the inmates would maintain good conduct and become responsible citizens upon their eventual return to Nigeria.

The prisoner transfer agreement marks a significant diplomatic achievement between Nigeria and Ethiopia and is expected to strengthen cooperation on justice, human rights and consular affairs between both countries.