Nigerian Government Pursues Repatriation of 270 Citizens Detained in Ethiopia
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to repatriate over 270 Nigerian detainees in Ethiopia, following a court order directing government agencies to facilitate their return. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has engaged in discussions with the Ethiopian Ambassador regarding this matter, amidst ongoing plans for cooperative agreements between the two nations. The Federal High Court’s ruling emphasizes the need for government accountability in ensuring the welfare of citizens abroad.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working to facilitate the repatriation of over 270 Nigerian individuals currently detained in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia. Recently, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria regarding this critical issue. Although Nigeria and Ethiopia do not possess an existing extradition agreement, plans for memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to improve bilateral relations are underway.
In a significant ruling on November 14, the Federal High Court in Abuja mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to orchestrate the return of these detainees. This directive followed a lawsuit filed on behalf of the imprisoned Nigerians and was premised upon the Ethiopian government’s declaration of insufficient budgetary provisions for the detainees’ sustenance. Justice Inyang Ekwo emphasized the necessity for governmental entities to fulfill their statutory responsibilities regarding this matter, thereby reinforcing the urgency of their repatriation.
The issue of Nigerian citizens detained abroad poses significant challenges for the government, particularly in regard to the legal frameworks governing their repatriation. Currently, Nigeria lacks an extradition agreement with Ethiopia, complicating efforts to secure the release of its citizens. Furthermore, the Federal High Court’s recent ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of Nigerians and underscores the responsibility of government agencies to protect their welfare, especially when they face dire conditions while incarcerated abroad.
The ongoing efforts to repatriate over 270 Nigerians from Ethiopian detention centers represent the Nigerian government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad. The recent court ruling further underscores the judiciary’s engagement in ensuring that governmental entities fulfill their responsibilities. As negotiations for enhanced bilateral agreements continue, the focus on humanitarian concerns remains paramount, reflecting a broader commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens regardless of their location.
Original Source: punchng.com
