Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a landmark agreement to repatriate more than 100 Nigerian prisoners currently serving sentences in Ethiopian correctional facilities.
The deal, finalized in Addis Ababa, was signed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gideon Timothewos.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced the development on her official X handle, noting that the agreement covers inmates held in Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison.
“This agreement is rooted in humanity, justice, and cooperation between our two nations. While we urge Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, we remain committed to ensuring those in conflict with the law are treated with dignity,” she said.
The minister revealed that four Nigerian prisoners died during the prolonged negotiation process, underscoring the urgency of the pact.
She added that the agreement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
The bilateral Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement will allow affected Nigerians to complete their jail terms in Nigerian correctional facilities, amid concerns over overcrowding and poor conditions in Ethiopian prisons.
Officials say Nigeria has been working to secure the repatriation of nearly 300 citizens detained in Ethiopia, with this agreement marking a major
step forward.
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