The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to repatriate over 270 citizens held in an Ethiopian prison. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs recently raised this issue with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria. A Federal High Court ruling has ordered the ministry and NiDCOM to ensure their return due to inadequate provisions for the detainees.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria has confirmed its ongoing initiatives to repatriate more than 270 Nigerian citizens currently imprisoned at Kaliti Prison in Ethiopia. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, engaged in discussions with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, focusing on the plight of Nigerians detained in Ethiopian facilities. Despite the absence of an extradition agreement between the two nations, plans are underway to establish Memorandums of Understanding for improved diplomatic cooperation.
Furthermore, on November 14, the Federal High Court in Abuja mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate the safe return of the detained individuals. This court order, issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo, resulted from a lawsuit presented on behalf of the Nigerians concerning their unlawful detention without adequate provisions for sustenance by the Ethiopian government. Justice Ekwo emphasized the necessity for the ministry and NiDCOM to fulfill their obligations in this matter.
The issue of Nigerian citizens detained abroad has become a significant diplomatic challenge for Nigeria, particularly in light of human rights standards and international relations. The recent judgment from the Federal High Court illustrates the judiciary’s role in addressing citizen welfare, particularly in cases of alleged unlawful detention. With Ethiopia’s acknowledgment of the budgetary constraints affecting the detained Nigerians, the urgency for both governments to foster mutual cooperation through formal agreements is further highlighted.
In summary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to repatriating its citizens from Kaliti Prison in Ethiopia. The engagement between the Nigerian and Ethiopian ambassadors illustrates a proactive approach to diplomatic relations, while the recent court ruling underscores the judiciary’s involvement in protecting citizens’ rights. Continued discussions around memorandums of understanding will be pivotal in improving future bilateral engagements.
Original Source: punchng.com