Tinubu Orders Repatriation of 300 Nigerians from Ethiopia

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the repatriation of approximately 300 Nigerians currently serving prison sentences in Kaliti Maximum Security Prison, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This decision follows reports of deteriorating conditions within the prison.

A high-level delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, has been dispatched to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian government to facilitate the transfer of these inmates back to Nigeria. The urgency of this action is underscored by reports of physical deterioration among the inmates, with advocacy groups highlighting issues such as overcrowding, lack of medical care, and allegations of brutality by prison officials.

The Nigerian government has previously sought to address these concerns, with a Federal High Court order in November 2024 directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the return of Nigerian inmates. The Ethiopian government has acknowledged budget constraints affecting the care of foreign inmates.