Trending 
Nigerian inmates at the AbaSamuel Prison in Addis Ababa have been informed they will soon be transferred home to complete their sentences, following a newly signed Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The development was described by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as an “exhilarating moment” during a visit to the facility, where the news was formally communicated to the incarcerated Nigerians. The atmosphere inside the prison was reported to be “electric,” with inmates visibly relieved and joyful at the prospect of returning home under the bilateral arrangement.
The agreement, concluded between both governments, allows sentenced persons to serve the remainder of their custodial terms in their home country. Authorities described it as a “landmark” deal anchored on humanitarian considerations, judicial cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.
The minister linked the initiative to Nigeria’s broader foreign policy approach under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its emphasis on protecting citizens abroad. According to her, “the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a priority,” with the government committed to ensuring that nationals are not abandoned when they encounter legal difficulties overseas.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also noted that delays in concluding negotiations had been costly, saying that four Nigerian inmates had died during the period leading up to the agreement, while several others remain critically ill and require urgent medical care.
Nigeria expressed appreciation to the government and people of Ethiopia for their cooperation in finalising the agreement. Officials described the arrangement as being rooted in “principles of humanity, justice and cooperation between both nations.”
While encouraging citizens abroad to respect host-country laws, Nigerian officials reaffirmed that those in detention will still be accorded their due rights under applicable legal frameworks and will not be abandoned.
Inmates at AbaSamuel Prison also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government following the announcement, describing the agreement as a turning point that restores hope for eventual reintegration into their families and communities.
