Nigeria Seeks Repatriation of Over 270 Citizens Detained in Ethiopia

The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry is working to repatriate over 270 citizens from Kaliti Prison in Ethiopia. The Minister of State recently discussed this issue with the Ethiopian Ambassador. A court ruling has mandated governmental action to facilitate this return, amid concerns over food shortages for the detainees. Plans are also in place to establish agreements for better cooperation between the two nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria is actively working to repatriate more than 270 Nigerian citizens currently detained at Kaliti Prison in Ethiopia. During a recent meeting, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, discussed this matter with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria. Although there is presently no extradition agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, plans are underway to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to improve relations and engagement between the two nations.

On November 14, the Federal High Court in Abuja mandated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission facilitate the return of the detained individuals. This directive stemmed from a lawsuit filed on behalf of the Nigerian detainees, following the Ethiopian government’s decision to cease providing food due to budgetary constraints. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued an order compelling the ministry and NiDCOM to fulfill their obligations in this matter, acknowledging the credible case presented by the applicants.

This course of action follows the serious humanitarian concerns regarding the treatment of Nigerian citizens imprisoned in Ethiopia. The Federal High Court’s involvement underscores the importance of legal measures in addressing the rights of detainees. The absence of an extradition agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia poses challenges to resolving this issue; however, the potential for future agreements aims to enhance cooperation in judicial and diplomatic matters. The Ethiopian government’s withdrawal of provisions such as food for detainees raises urgent ethical considerations that necessitate immediate attention from both governments.

In conclusion, the Nigerian government is taking significant steps to address the plight of over 270 citizens wrongfully detained in Ethiopia, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The recent court ruling emphasizes the obligation of the Nigerian officials to act in the best interest of their citizens abroad. Ongoing discussions between Nigeria and Ethiopia regarding future agreements will hopefully lead to improved diplomatic relations and the welfare of detainees.

Original Source: punchng.com