Nearly 100 Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons will be repatriated to complete their sentences back home, after Nigeria and Ethiopia signed a prisoner transfer agreement in Addis Ababa.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s assurance to the inmates at Aba Samuel Prison saying that the country will not abandon them.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi SAN and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister Hanna Arayaselassie signed the agreement for their countries, which were facilitated by both countries’ foreign ministers.
The deal covers 98 inmates; 96 men and 2 women who must consent and have at least one year left on their sentences.
The minister said the agreement is enshrined in government’s 4-D foreign policy and urged inmates to cooperate with documentation.
At least four Nigerians died during negotiations. Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that the agreement is “not a license for impunity,” but is grounded in humanity and justice.
Inmates celebrated the news and pledged good conduct. The first transfers are expected once consent forms are completed.
More details here...