The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to repatriate over 270 Nigerians detained in Ethiopia, following a court ruling mandating their return. Discussions have commenced with Ethiopian officials to address the situation, despite the absence of an extradition agreement between the two nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria is actively working to repatriate over 270 Nigerian nationals who are currently incarcerated at Kaliti Prison in Ethiopia. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, recently engaged in discussions with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria regarding the status of these detained citizens. The ministry’s acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that while there is no existing extradition treaty between Nigeria and Ethiopia, there are plans to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation on such matters.
In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court of Nigeria issued an order on November 14, which mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate the prompt return of the detained citizens. This decision came in response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of those imprisoned, which highlighted the Ethiopian government’s declaration of insufficient budget to provide for the detainees’ basic needs such as food. Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the case, articulated the necessity of compelling action from the Nigerian authorities to uphold their statutory obligations in this regard.
The matter of over 270 Nigerians detained in Ethiopian prisons has attracted significant attention due to humanitarian concerns regarding their welfare and legal status. The absence of an extradition agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia complicates the repatriation process, highlighting the need for formal agreements to manage the coexistence of nationals in foreign prisons. The involvement of the Federal High Court underscores the judicial system’s role in ensuring the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad amid diplomatic negotiations.
In summary, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is undertaking efforts to repatriate over 270 nationals detained in Ethiopia following a court ruling that compels governmental action. The engagement between Nigerian and Ethiopian diplomats signifies an important step towards addressing the treatment of detained Nigerians and possibly establishing frameworks for future cooperation. Continued diplomatic initiatives and legal compliance will be essential in ensuring the safe return of these citizens.
Original Source: punchng.com
