The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a bilateral agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to facilitate the repatriation of more than 100 Nigerian nationals currently serving various prison sentences in Ethiopian correctional facilities.
The development follows the formal signing of a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement between both countries, aimed at allowing convicted Nigerian inmates to complete their remaining jail terms in Nigeria under a structured legal framework.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that over 100 Nigerians are currently held in Ethiopian prisons and will be gradually transferred back home.
According to her, the repatriation process is already underway, although administrative and diplomatic procedures may mean the transfer will take some time to conclude.
She explained that the agreement is rooted in humanitarian concerns and the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, stressing that the government is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is left in vulnerable conditions in foreign detention facilities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to detention centres in Ethiopia, met with Nigerian inmates and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their return.
“Your country will not abandon you; your President is aware you are here,” she reportedly told the inmates.
A video shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle showed emotional scenes of Nigerian prisoners expressing relief and joy at the news of their impending transfer.
The inmates are expected to be transferred from two major Ethiopian correctional facilities, the Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison.
Kaliti Prison, a high-security facility, is known for housing both political detainees and a large number of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Aba Samuel Prison also accommodates inmates serving various criminal sentences under Ethiopia’s federal correctional system.
The agreement was jointly signed by Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Hanna Arayaselassie, Ethiopia’s Justice Minister.
Both governments described the pact as a milestone in strengthening judicial cooperation and humanitarian diplomacy between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Federal Prison Commission also confirmed the arrangement, noting that it reflects enhanced collaboration in justice administration between the two countries.
According to Yenus Mulu, Prison Commissioner, the agreement covers the relocation of 94 convicted Nigerian prisoners to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their sentences.
While Nigerian authorities have stated that more than 100 inmates are affected, Ethiopian officials put the figure at 94, indicating possible differences in classification, documentation, or ongoing verification of eligible prisoners.
The agreement has also renewed public concern over the number of Nigerians incarcerated in foreign countries and the circumstances that lead to their detention.
Authorities have not provided detailed breakdowns of the offences committed by the inmates, but officials say the transfer process is strictly limited to individuals who have been legally sentenced under Ethiopian law.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further revealed that at least four Nigerian inmates have died in Ethiopian custody during the period of negotiations and administrative processing of the agreement.
She expressed concern over the development, stating that the government is accelerating efforts to prevent further loss of lives and to ensure timely medical attention for those in critical condition.
“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives. We are determined to bring home the living. Several others are critically ill and require urgent medical care,” she said.
Officials from both countries have described the agreement as a product of shared humanitarian values and diplomatic cooperation, anchored on justice, dignity, and prisoner welfare.
