Tinubu Directs Immediate Repatriation Of Nigerian Prisoners Held In Ethiopia

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate commencement of arrangements for the repatriation of nearly 300 Nigerian inmates serving prison sentences in Ethiopia, in a move aimed at allowing them to complete their terms in correctional facilities within Nigeria.

According to Ireporter Online, the decision follows mounting concerns over the welfare of Nigerian prisoners held in Ethiopian detention centres, particularly at Kaliti Prison in Addis Ababa, where persistent reports have highlighted overcrowding, poor medical care, harsh living conditions, and fatalities among inmates.

The President has also dispatched a high-level delegation to Ethiopia to engage the Ethiopian authorities on the matter. The delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who are expected to finalise discussions and sign a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the transfer.

Under the proposed agreement, affected Nigerian inmates will be repatriated to serve the remainder of their sentences in Nigerian correctional facilities.

The initiative follows recent reports received by the Presidency detailing the deteriorating conditions faced by the prisoners. The delegation reportedly departed for Addis Ababa on Tuesday to accelerate negotiations with Ethiopian officials.

The development marks the first direct intervention by President Tinubu on the issue, which has lingered unresolved through diplomatic channels for over three years.

Official records from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate that more than 270 Nigerians are currently serving various jail terms in Ethiopia, many of whom were convicted on drug-related offences. Most are detained at Kaliti Prison, a facility that has faced repeated criticism over overcrowding, inadequate feeding, and poor healthcare services.