Hundreds of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopian prisons erupted in jubilation following the announcement of a landmark prisoner transfer agreement that will allow them to complete their sentences in Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance that Nigeria had not abandoned its citizens abroad during a visit to inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia.
Addressing the prisoners, the minister delivered the President’s message: “Your country will not forsake you,” as she informed them of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement signed between Nigeria and Ethiopia a day earlier.
The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie, provides a legal framework for convicted persons to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries.
According to Ethiopian authorities, about 98 Nigerian inmates, 96 men and two women, are expected to benefit from the arrangement. To qualify, inmates must voluntarily consent to the transfer and have at least one year remaining on their prison terms. Most of the affected prisoners are currently held in Aba Samuel and Kaliti prisons.
Speaking to the inmates after meetings with officials of the Ethiopian Federal Prisons Commission and the Ministry of Justice, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreement reflected the citizen-centred diplomacy embedded in Nigeria’s 4-D foreign policy framework of Diplomacy, Democracy, Development and Demography under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She revealed that at least four Nigerian inmates had died during the lengthy period of negotiations, judicial reviews, and finalisation of the agreement.
“The deal is rooted in the principles of humanity, justice and cooperation between our two nations,” she said, while reiterating that Nigerians abroad must respect the laws of their host countries and uphold the country’s image.
The minister stressed that the agreement should not be interpreted as a licence for criminal behaviour.
“This is not a licence for impunity,” she warned, urging Nigerians to avoid activities that could bring them into conflict with the law.
She encouraged the inmates to complete the required documentation and consent forms needed to facilitate their transfer to Nigeria.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian government remains concerned about your welfare, your dignity, and your access to fair treatment under all applicable laws,” she said. “Maintain hope, discipline, and good conduct.”
Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, including technical training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives.
“Don’t travel these routes again,” she cautioned. “For the sake of your family and your country, chart a new path when you return.”
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation in Criminal Justice
Representing the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Assistant Controller-General, Operations, Aminu Yusuf, assured the inmates that arrangements were in place to receive them upon their return.
He explained that after arriving at the Kuje Correctional Centre, the inmates would undergo the necessary documentation before being relocated to correctional facilities closer to their families where appropriate.
The announcement was greeted with excitement and emotion as many inmates sang songs of appreciation in honour of President Tinubu, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and their legal representative, Abumchukwu
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, their spokesperson welcomed the prisoner transfer agreement and pledged that beneficiaries would conduct themselves responsibly if repatriated to Nigeria.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic achievement for both countries and offers renewed hope to dozens of Nigerians serving prison terms in Ethiopia while strengthening bilateral cooperation in criminal justice administration.
