By Akinwale Kasali
Relatives of detained Nigerians in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia, have sent a Save-Our-Soul appeal to the Federal Government, urging it to intervene in securing the release or transfer of their loved ones.
More than 270 Nigerian citizens are currently detained in Ethiopia. while some detainees, have died in custody, several others are reportedly, seriously ill, and in need of medical attention.
The families of the Nigerian detainees are calling for the implementation of the Prisoner Transfer Arrangement signed between Nigeria and Ethiopia in addressing the welfare and relocation of the inmates.
President General of My Dreamalive Development Foundation, Ambassador Onwuka Ifeanyi Collins, stated that the Nigerian Embassy had visited Kaliti Prison and observed conditions there, which he disclosed were unhabitable.
Collins urged President Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, State Governors, and the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora 5Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa to intervene as a matter of urgency.
He further expressed concern over the detainees’ welfare, citing reports of inadequate food and limited access to medical care.
It would be recalled that Justice Inyang
Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 2024 ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIDCOM to facilitate the return of detained Nigerians.
The judgement noted that Ethiopia had said it lacked a budget for the detainees’ food and welfare.
Sadly, nothing has been done as regards the Court’s directives and verdict.
Collins appealed to the Federal Government to liaise with Ethiopian authorities on a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange or transfer of sentenced persons, in line with existing judgments and agreements.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
