Foreign Affairs Minister, Odumegwu-Ojukwu Visits Nigerian Inmates In Ethiopian Prison

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has visited Nigerian inmates being held at the Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia.

Naija News reports that the visit took place during a Nigerian government officials’ recent trip to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Addressing the inmates, the Minister assured them that they have not been abandoned by Nigeria, adding that President Bola Tinubu is aware of their situation.

“Your Country will not desert you…Your President knows you are here,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured them.

The visit followed the signing of a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia a few days earlier.

As earlier reported by Naija News, the agreement allows for the transfer of Nigerian prisoners in Ethiopia back to Nigeria to serve the remainder of their sentences.

The Minister, however, disclosed that four Nigerian prisoners died during the period of negotiations, judicial vetting, and conclusion of the agreement.

She stated that the agreement is “rooted in the principles of humanity, justice and cooperation between our two nations.”

Delivering Tinubu’s message, the Minister noted that the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain a priority for the President. She also conveyed appreciation to the Government and People of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

According to her, Nigerians living in other countries of the world, owe it an obligation to respect the laws of their host countries.

She further reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian government to ensuring that citizens who come into conflict with the law in foreign countries are not abandoned and are accorded their rights under applicable legal frameworks.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, stressed that the assurance does not give a license for impunity and advised against criminal activity.