Obi Commends Nigeria-Ethiopia Prisoner Deal

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 general elections presidential candidate Peter Obi has welcomed the prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia while expressing sadness over the reported deaths of four Nigerians held in Ethiopian prisons.

Obi reacted after the Federal Government announced a bilateral agreement that will allow convicted citizens of both countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms in their home countries under agreed legal conditions.

The deal is expected to pave the way for the return of more than 100 Nigerians currently serving sentences in Ethiopia.

In a statement, Obi described the development as a positive humanitarian step but said the deaths recorded before the agreement was finalised raised difficult questions about the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

“I sincerely commend the governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia for concluding this agreement,” Obi said.

He added that the return arrangement reflects compassion and should become part of a wider effort to protect Nigerians outside the country.

Obi, however, lamented that four Nigerians died in Ethiopian custody while diplomatic and legal processes continued.

“The death of four Nigerians in custody is painful and deeply unfortunate,” he said, urging authorities to ensure that no further lives are lost.

The Federal Government disclosed earlier that the four inmates died during negotiations, judicial reviews and ratification processes leading to the agreement.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who represented Nigeria during engagements in Addis Ababa alongside Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, stressed the urgency of implementing the pact.

“We cannot afford to lose any more precious lives.

"We are determined to bring home the living,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreement recognises the importance of family, language and social support in rehabilitation while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad.

Implementation of the transfer process is expected to begin in line with the laws of both countries.