Focus Keyword: return of Nigerian prisoners from Ethiopia
Nigeria Must Fast‑Track the Return of Prisoners Detained in Ethiopia
Abumchukwu N. Okoye, lawyer and National Coordinator of the Take Back Nigeria Initiative (TBNI), warns that the initial joy felt by Nigerians detained in Ethiopia is rapidly fading into despair. After a successful Federal High Court judgment and the signing of an Exchange of Prisoners Treaty, the Federal Government has yet to act on the repatriation of the detainees.
What the Court Won and Why It Matters
- Court Victory: Okoye’s law firm secured a judgment that compelled the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate an Exchange of Prisoners Treaty with Ethiopia.
- Treaty Signed: The treaty was signed on 10 June 2026 and should trigger the return of the prisoners within 30 days (by 30 July 2026).
- Legal Basis: The Exchange of Prisoners Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria requires that sentenced individuals serve the remainder of their terms in Nigerian prisons, while ensuring that all case details (arrest date, trial records, judgment, sentence) are transferred to the Nigerian authorities.
Where the Process Is Stalled
Despite the treaty, Okoye says the Nigerian government has not provided:
- Official Gazette Publication of the treaty.
- A clear implementation timeline and procedural steps.
- Necessary documentation from Ethiopian authorities (offence details, trial transcripts, sentencing information).
“We are still waiting for the government to inform us of the next steps. The Ethiopian government already has the required data; the delay is on the Nigerian side,” he explains.
Who Should Bear the Cost of Repatriation?
Okoye’s 2024 letter to the Nigeria Diaspora Commission argued that the federal government—through the Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Foreign Affairs—should fund the logistics, as the treaty designates these bodies as the responsible parties. While families are eager to help, they have ceased payments after receiving a voice note allegedly from Amuda, a staff member at the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa, stating that the government will cover the costs.
Legal Options If the Government Remains Silent
Okoye is prepared to file a contempt of court motion against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Diaspora Commission if the prisoners are not returned within the statutory period. He also threatens to invoke Order 48 of the High Court to compel compliance with the original judgment.
The Human Dimension
Many of the detainees claim they were:
- Arrested while simply walking on the streets.
- Tried in a language they did not understand, without proper interpretation.
- Convicted on flimsy or fabricated evidence.
Okoye notes that the Ethiopian authorities have repeatedly asked Nigeria to evacuate the prisoners, citing lack of basic supplies such as water, salt, and medical care.
Broader Implications: Xenophobia in South Africa
The recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa underscore the urgency of protecting Nigerians abroad. Okoye stresses that any mishandling of the Ethiopia case could embolden similar hostility elsewhere, stressing the need for transparent, swift action from the Federal Government.
The State Police Bill – A Parallel Victory
While the focus remains on the prisoners, Okoye welcomes the State Police Bill passed by the 10th National Assembly. He believes a robust state police force, staffed by officers familiar with local dynamics, will help curb insecurity and reduce the circumstances that often lead to Niger ians being targeted abroad.
“Deploying officers from the region ensures better intelligence, faster response, and a deeper understanding of community needs,” Okoye says.
What the Government Must Do Now
- Publish the Treaty in the Official Gazette.
- Provide a detailed implementation schedule (target: 30 July 2026).
- Obtain and forward all Ethiopian case files (arrest, trial, sentencing) to the relevant ministries.
- Allocate funds for the transportation and reception of the repatriated individuals.
- Maintain direct communication with TBNI and the detainees’ families to avoid further confusion.
Bottom Line
The legal framework is in place, the treaty is signed, and the deadline is approaching. Prompt action by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General’s office, and the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia is essential to fulfill the promise of the Exchange of Prisoners Act and to bring home Nigerians who have already endured undue hardship.
External Resources
- Exchange of Prisoners Act, Federal Republic of Nigeria – Nigerian Law Repository
- Federal High Court Judgment (2024) – TBNI v. Federal Government – Nigerian Courts Archive
- State Police Bill – 10th National Assembly – National Assembly Official Site
For continuous updates on the repatriation process, monitor official statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia.
