The Ethiopian government has agreed to repatriate 136 Nigerian prisoners to serve the remainder of their jail terms in Nigeria, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough after years of negotiations.
The agreement, signed on June 12, 2026, by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, was witnessed by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The transfer follows sustained advocacy by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Senator Victor Umeh, who pushed for improved conditions and the return of Nigerians detained in Ethiopian prisons.
Many of the inmates were convicted of offences related to drug trafficking and financial crimes. The issue gained national attention following reports of poor prison conditions and the deaths of several Nigerian inmates in custody over the years.
Officials say the prisoner transfer agreement will enable the affected Nigerians to complete their sentences closer to their families while strengthening judicial cooperation between both countries.
The development has been welcomed by relatives of the inmates and members of the Nigerian community abroad, who view it as a significant humanitarian and diplomatic achievement.
