PHOTO: FG TO REPATRIATE 98 NIGERIANS FROM ETHIOPIAN PRISONS

FG TO REPATRIATE 98 NIGERIANS FROM ETHIOPIAN PRISONS

The Federal Government is set to repatriate 98 Nigerians serving prison terms in Ethiopia following the signing of a prisoner transfer agreement between both countries in Addis Ababa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s assurance to the inmates that the government would not abandon them and would facilitate their transfer to Nigeria to complete their sentences.

The agreement was signed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, with the support of both countries’ foreign ministers.

Under the arrangement, 98 inmates comprising 96 men and two women will be eligible for transfer, provided they consent and have at least one year remaining on their prison terms.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as part of the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework and urged the inmates to cooperate with documentation processes to facilitate their return.

She noted that at least four Nigerians died during the period of negotiations and stressed that the agreement should not be viewed as a licence for criminality but as a humanitarian and justice-driven initiative.

The inmates reportedly welcomed the development and pledged good conduct, while the first batch of transfers is expected once the necessary consent procedures are completed.