Numerous Nigerian nationals continue to be held in Ethiopian prisons as diplomatic negotiations aimed at facilitating their repatriation encounter persistent obstacles. Central to these challenges is the delay in the ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the Transfer of Sentenced Persons between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
This agreement, intended to enable Nigerians convicted abroad to complete their sentences within Nigeria, remains unapproved by Ethiopian authorities despite extensive discussions and advocacy efforts over several months.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, clarified on Wednesday that the impasse stems from Ethiopia’s side, not Nigeria’s.
“Our government has completed all necessary procedures related to the Transfer of Sentenced Persons MoU. The delay is entirely on the Ethiopian end,” she stated via her spokesperson, Magnus Eze.
Data from 2023 indicates that over 270 Nigerians are incarcerated in Ethiopia, predominantly for offenses linked to narcotics. Human rights organizations and relatives of the detainees have persistently voiced concerns about the harsh and inhumane conditions prevailing in these detention facilities.
Last week, Ambassador Onwuka Collins, head of the My Dreamalive Development Foundation, publicly criticized the state of these prisons, labeling the environment as “appalling” and highlighting reports of systemic mistreatment.
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“Tragically, some Nigerian prisoners in Ethiopia have lost their lives due to these severe conditions, while many others suffer from serious health issues such as kidney ailments and strokes. It is unacceptable to stand by as our compatriots endure imprisonment without just legal processes,” Collins emphasized.
He also pointed to insufficient nutrition, lack of adequate healthcare, neglect, corruption, and physical abuse by prison staff as ongoing problems.
In November 2024, the Federal High Court mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to expedite the return of Nigerians detained in Ethiopia, noting Ethiopian officials’ admission of their inability to properly care for foreign prisoners.
Despite this judicial directive, tangible progress has been minimal. On April 17, 2025, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu led a Nigerian delegation in discussions with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, urging swift ratification of the MoU. “We cannot accept hearing about another Nigerian dying in Ethiopian custody,” she asserted, criticizing Ethiopia’s apparent lack of commitment.
Ambassador Haile reaffirmed the strong diplomatic relationship between the two nations but acknowledged that the MoU remains pending approval by Ethiopia’s legislative body.
The ongoing delay has already had fatal consequences. On March 12, 2023, Favour Eze, detained at Kaliti Prison in Addis Ababa, reportedly died following alleged mistreatment by prison personnel. Similarly, Uchenna Nwanneneme passed away from tuberculosis on September 21, 2023, after reportedly receiving inadequate medical care.
