The federal government has reached an agreement with Ethiopia to repatriate more than 100 Nigerian inmates so they can complete their prison terms in Nigeria.
The deal was signed on Friday by 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.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the arrangement as a reflection of the strong cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia in promoting justice and prisoner welfare.
She noted that the agreement takes into account the importance of family ties, language, cultural background, and social support in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia as the facilities where the Nigerian inmates are currently being held.
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She further disclosed that at least four of the prisoners have died, while several others are in critical condition.
During a visit to Aba Samuel Prison, she assured the inmates that efforts were underway to bring them home, saying, “Your country will not desert you…your president knows you are here.”
The minister also shared videos showing inmates celebrating news of their planned return, while reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.