Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to repatriate over 270 Nigerian citizens detained in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with the Ethiopian Ambassador to discuss this matter. A recent court ruling has stressed the urgency of the situation, ordering relevant government bodies to ensure the detainees’ return due to budgetary constraints for their sustenance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria has confirmed its commitment to the repatriation of over 270 Nigerian nationals currently incarcerated in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia. Recently, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, where the topic of the Nigerian detainees was prominently featured. According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry, despite the absence of an extradition agreement between both nations, efforts are underway to establish memoranda of understanding for improved diplomatic engagement.
Additionally, a Federal High Court ruling issued on November 14 mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to expedite the return of the detained individuals. This ruling was the result of a suit brought forth on behalf of the detainees and emphasized the Ethiopian government’s declaration of insufficient funding for their sustenance. In the ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo underscored the need for the Ministry and the Commission to fulfill their responsibilities regarding the detainees’ repatriation.
In recent developments concerning Nigerian nationals detained abroad, significant attention has been directed towards the plight of over 270 Nigerians held in Ethiopia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria is taking proactive measures to address this issue, influenced by a court ruling emphasizing the need for their immediate return. The diplomatic discussions taking place highlight the complexities of international law, particularly in the absence of a formal extradition treaty between the involved countries.
The Nigerian government’s engagement with Ethiopian authorities signifies a broader commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. The legal ruling compelling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission illustrates the judiciary’s role in ensuring that governmental bodies act in the best interest of their citizens. Efforts to develop cooperative agreements between Nigeria and Ethiopia are also expected to facilitate better diplomatic relations in the future.
Original Source: punchng.com
