The Federal Government has signed an agreement with Ethiopia to repatriate more than 100 Nigerian inmates, allowing them to serve the remainder of their sentences in Nigeria.
The deal was formalised in Addis Ababa on Friday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside his Ethiopian counterpart, Hanna Arayaselassie, with senior officials from both countries in attendance.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the agreement underscores both nations’ commitment to justice and rehabilitation, particularly through family and cultural support systems that aid reintegration.
According to a report, Nigerian inmates currently held in Ethiopia are housed in Kaliti Prison and Aba Samuel Prison. At least four of them have reportedly died, while several others are said to be in critical condition.
During a visit to one of the facilities, Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the inmates of government support, stating: “Your country will not desert you… your president knows you are here.”
Videos shared by the minister showed inmates reacting emotionally to news of their impending return, with assurances that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for structured prisoner transfer arrangements and eventual reintegration programmes once the inmates return home.
