Tinubu to Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons: “We have not abandoned you” as the repatriation agreement begins

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian inmates held in Ethiopian penitentiaries that his administration has not abandoned them, following the signing of a prisoner transfer agreement between the two countries.

The assurance was given on his behalf by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia on Thursday 11 June.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also announced the activation of a recently concluded agreement on the transfer of convicted persons between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing it as part of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-centred diplomacy under the 4-D foreign policy framework.

He said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to diplomacy, democracy, development and demography, stressing that it was driven by concerns for the welfare and rights of Nigerians abroad.

“Your country will not abandon you… your president knows you are here,” he told the detainees, conveying President Tinubu’s message of reassurance.

According to her, the negotiations that led to the agreement took time due to legal and judicial review processes, during which at least four Nigerian prisoners reportedly died before the agreement was finalized.

The minister stressed that while the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad, citizens must also respect the laws of host countries to avoid legal troubles.

“This is not a license for impunity,” he warned, urging Nigerians abroad to maintain good behavior and defend the country’s image.

He added that prisoners wishing to return must give formal consent to allow documentation and the smooth repatriation process, as required by international prison protocols.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further encouraged prisoners to undertake rehabilitation, adding that government will support capacity building and skills acquisition programs to aid reintegration upon return.

“Don’t travel these routes again. The first time you’re lucky, the second time you don’t know where you’re going,” he warned.

On his part, a representative of the Nigerian Prison Service, Deputy Controller General (Operations), Aminu Yusuf, assured the inmates of adequate reception upon their return to Nigeria.

He said they would be accommodated at Kuje Correctional Center before further administrative procedures, including relocation closer to their families where necessary.

“Once we receive you in Kuje, all other formalities, documentation and transfers will follow,” he said.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while his Ethiopian counterpart represented Ethiopia at the ceremony held in Addis Ababa.

The agreement is expected to facilitate the transfer of approximately 100 Nigerian prisoners currently serving various prison sentences in Ethiopia, particularly in Aba Samuel and Kaliti prisons.

Officials say about 98 inmates could benefit from the deal, including two women, provided they agree and have at least a year to serve.

There were emotional scenes in the prison during the visit, as inmates sang the praises of President Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and their legal representative, Abumchukwu Okoye, expressing hope of returning home soon.

A spokesperson for the detainees praised the federal government for securing the deal and promised they would maintain good behavior if repatriated.

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