Nigerians in Ethiopian Prisons Set for Repatriation as Tinubu Government Signs Transfer Agreement

About 100 Nigerians serving jail terms in Ethiopia are to be transferred back to Nigeria to complete their sentences, following a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement signed by both countries on June 10, 2026.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced the deal during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison on Thursday. She delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance that the country had not abandoned its citizens abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu told the inmates that the agreement was driven by the “citizen diplomacy” pillar of the Tinubu administration’s 4-D foreign policy, covering Diplomacy, Democracy, Development, and Demography.

“The government remains concerned about your welfare, about your dignity and about your access to fair treatment under all the applicable laws,” she said. “Maintain hope, discipline and good conduct and respect for the laws and regulations of your host country.”

The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hanna Arayaselassie. The process was facilitated by the foreign affairs ministers of both countries.

96 Males, 2 Females Expected to Benefit

Ethiopian authorities said about 98 inmates could benefit from the deal, including 96 males and 2 females held mainly at Aba Samuel and Kaliti Prisons. Eligibility requires that inmates give their consent and have at least one year left on their sentences.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that at least four Nigerian inmates died during the period of negotiations, judicial vetting, and finalization of the agreement. She described the deal as rooted in “principles of humanity, justice and cooperation” between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

While welcoming the development, the minister cautioned that the agreement was not “a license for impunity.”

“Don’t travel these routes again. First time lucky, second time you don’t know where it’s going,” she advised. “Do it for your people, for the sake of your mother, for the sake of your father, for the sake of your family, who are so troubled that you are here. And for the sake of your country.”

She added that the Nigerian government remains committed to providing technical training, capacity building, and other pathways to enhance skills and create legitimate livelihoods for returnees.

Correctional Service Ready to Receive Returnees

Assistant Controller General of Operations of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Aminu Yusuf, who represented the Controller General, assured the inmates of a smooth reception process.

“After we have received you in Kuje Correctional Centre, all other formalities, documentations and relocations will certainly take place,” Yusuf said. “The powers are vested on the Controller General to move you to the locations that he deems fit or where will be closer to your families.”

Jubilation Among Inmates

The announcement triggered excitement and jubilation among the inmates at Aba Samuel Prison. They sang praises of President Tinubu, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and their lawyer, Abumchukwu Okoye. Their spokesperson lauded the agreement and pledged good character upon repatriation.

The prisoner transfer agreement marks a key diplomatic milestone in Nigeria-Ethiopia relations and reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad while upholding the rule of law.