Families and advocacy groups demand urgent repatriation of Nigerians detained in Ethiopian prisons.
Abuja — Families and advocacy groups have raised alarm over the plight of Nigerians detained in Ethiopia, citing poor prison conditions and delayed repatriation.
Speaking through her media aide, Magnus Eze, a ministry official confirmed that “it is the Ethiopian side that is stalling” the return of Nigerian inmates.
In 2023, the ministry disclosed that more than 270 Nigerians were serving various prison terms in Ethiopia, mostly for drug-related offences. Reports indicate that many prisoners are suffering from illnesses such as kidney stones and stroke, while some have already died due to harsh conditions.
Ambassador Onwuka Collins, President-General of the My Dreamalive Development Foundation, condemned the situation last week, describing prison conditions as “deplorable.”
“It is sad that some Nigerians in Ethiopian prisons have already died due to these harsh conditions, while others are suffering from illnesses. We cannot continue to watch helplessly as our brothers languish in prison without a fair trial. Urgent help is needed,” Collins said.
He further alleged abuse and neglect, highlighting:
Inadequate and self-made food
Poor medical care
Brutal treatment by officials
Extortion by prison authorities
Despite a Federal High Court ruling in November 2024 ordering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to facilitate the return of Nigerians imprisoned in Ethiopia, progress has been slow. Ethiopia reportedly admitted it lacks the budget to care for foreign inmates.
Pressure intensified on April 17, 2025, when a delegation led by Odumegwu-Ojukwu met the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, urging Ethiopia to expedite the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for repatriation.
“Our people don’t want to hear that another Nigerian inmate died in Ethiopian prison,” the minister said, expressing frustration over what she called Ethiopia’s lack of political will despite earlier assurances
About the Author
