The Federal Government has signed a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia for the transfer of more than 100 Nigerian inmates back home to serve the remainder of their prison sentences.
The agreement was formalised on Friday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside his Ethiopian counterpart, Hanna Arayaselassie, in the presence of senior officials from both countries.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the pact underscores the shared commitment of both nations to justice and humanitarian considerations.
She noted that the arrangement recognises the importance of family ties, cultural background and social connections in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified the facilities currently holding the Nigerian inmates as Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison.
According to her, at least four of the inmates have died, while several others are critically ill.
During a visit to the detention centres, the minister reassured the inmates of the government’s commitment to their welfare.
“Your country will not desert you… your president knows you are here,” she told them.
She also shared videos showing the inmates celebrating news of their imminent return, expressing optimism that the transfer would facilitate their rehabilitation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
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