Nigeria to Repatriate 300 Inmates from Ethiopian Prisons

The Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking steps to repatriate approximately 300 Nigerians currently serving prison sentences in Ethiopia, particularly those held in the notorious Kaliti maximum security prison in Addis Ababa. A high-level delegation, including Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation, is expected to conclude negotiations to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian government.

This agreement aims to facilitate the transfer of Nigerian inmates back to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their sentences. The urgency of this mission arises from deteriorating health conditions and rising fatalities among Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons.

Reports indicate that around 270 Nigerians are incarcerated in Ethiopia, primarily for drug-related offenses. Concerns have been raised regarding overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and harsh treatment in these facilities.

The Nigerian government is pushing for the ratification of the MoU to expedite the transfer process, with a target date of November 2024 for implementation.