Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement for repatriation of over 100 Nigerians
Nigeria, Ethiopia sign prisoner transfer agreement for repatriation of over 100 Nigerians
In Addis Ababa, Nigeria and Ethiopia have signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement aimed at repatriating over 100 Nigerian prisoners currently held in Ethiopian correctional facilities, including Kaliti and AbaSamuel Prisons.
The agreement was signed during an official visit led by Nigeria’s delegation in Ethiopia, with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, participating alongside Ethiopian authorities.
The bilateral arrangement is intended to allow eligible Nigerian inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences in Nigeria under established legal procedures.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, the delegation was received by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Protocol ahead of the formal signing ceremony held later in the day.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed appreciation to the Government and people of Ethiopia for the agreement, describing it as a milestone in bilateral cooperation and consular protection.
She noted that four Nigerian prisoners had died during the prolonged negotiation and vetting process, stressing the urgency of accelerating repatriation efforts to prevent further loss of life.
She added that the agreement reflects principles of humanity, justice, and cooperation between both countries.
Source: X | Ojukwu_Bianca
