FG Urged To Secure Release Of Nigerians In Ethiopian Prison

A cross-section of Nigerians whose household members are being held successful Kalite Prison, Ethiopia, person appealed to the national authorities for urgent involution to unafraid the merchandise oregon transportation of their loved ones backmost to Nigeria.

According to the families, implicit 270 Nigerian citizens are presently detained successful Ethiopia, with some—including Basil Lawrence Ilobi, Chizoba Favour Eze, and Uchenna Wanoneme—already dead. In contrast, respective others endure from captious illnesses.

The families are urging the authorities to activate the Prisoner Transfer Arrangement signed betwixt Nigeria and Ethiopia arsenic a mode of ending what they described arsenic “the deplorable conditions” their relatives face.

Ambassador Onwuka Ifeanyi Collins, President General of My Dreamalive Development Foundation, lamented the dire surviving conditions successful the prison. “The Nigerian Embassy has witnessed the concern firsthand,” helium said, calling connected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, authorities governors, and the Nigerians successful Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to intervene urgently.

Collins raised concerns implicit the inmates’ welfare, citing “inadequate food, mediocre aesculapian care, negligence, brutal treatment, and extortion by situation officials.”

“It is bittersweet that immoderate detainees person already died owed to these harsh conditions, portion others are suffering from illnesses, including kidney stones and stroke. We cannot proceed to ticker helplessly arsenic our brothers languish successful situation without a just trial. We truthful request urgent help,” helium added.

Separately, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIDCOM to facilitate the instrumentality of the imprisoned Nigerians connected November 14, 2024.

The tribunal cited the Ethiopian government’s declaration that it has nary fund for its nutrient and welfare.
Amb. Collins further urged the Federal Government to liaise with Ethiopian authorities to motion a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) connected the Exchange of Sentenced Persons, successful enactment with existing agreements and the court’s directive.