The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is facilitating the repatriation of over 270 detained Nigerians in Ethiopia, following a Federal High Court order. Discussions with the Ethiopian ambassador confirmed the issue’s priority, with plans for enhanced cooperation between both countries despite the lack of an extradition agreement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria is actively working to repatriate over 270 Nigerian nationals currently detained in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia. Recently, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, held discussions with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria. The situation of detained Nigerians was a significant topic during their meeting, as confirmed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson of the ministry.
Despite the absence of an extradition agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, both nations are exploring options to implement memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation on such matters. This initiative comes in light of a recent Federal High Court ruling that mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate the return of these individuals.
On November 14, Justice Inyang Ekwo issued a court order in response to a case brought forward on behalf of the detained Nigerians. The ruling was predicated on the Ethiopian government’s declaration of its inability to fund the detainees’ meals. This court order of mandamus requires Nigerian authorities to fulfill their duty to assist these citizens awaiting repatriation, thereby underscoring the urgent necessity for governmental action on their behalf.
The plight of Nigerian citizens detained abroad, particularly in Ethiopia, has recently garnered significant attention. The detention of over 270 Nigerians has raised legal and humanitarian concerns, prompting the Nigerian government to take action. The absence of an extradition agreement complicates the situation; however, diplomatic engagements are underway to create frameworks for more effective collaboration between Nigeria and Ethiopia. The court’s recent intervention has further highlighted the legal obligations of the Nigerian government towards its citizens detained overseas.
In summary, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prioritizing the repatriation of over 270 detainees from Ethiopian custody. Discussions between government officials have signified a commitment to resolving this issue, reflecting Nigeria’s legal and moral obligations to protect its citizens. The Federal High Court’s directive has reinforced the need for urgent action in conjunction with Ethiopia to address the humanitarian concerns surrounding these detainees.
Original Source: punchng.com
