FG Refutes Claims Of Inmates Plight In Ethiopian Prison.

By Caroline Ameh

In response to recent allegations made by Dr. Paul Ezike regarding the condition of Nigerian inmates in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement categorically refuting these claims. The statement, released on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, asserts that Dr. Ezike’s account has been exaggerated and does not accurately represent the situation.

According to Mrs. Francisca K. Omayuli, the Spokesperson for the Ministry, there are over 270 Nigerian nationals serving prison sentences in Ethiopia, primarily for drug-related offenses. The Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa regularly conducts consular visits to these inmates to ensure their well-being and engage with Ethiopian authorities on their behalf.

The Ethiopian authorities have consistently maintained that Nigerian inmates are treated equally alongside other prisoners, despite challenges such as limited resources and budgetary constraints in the face of a growing inmate population.

In response to the demands of Nigerian inmates, the Federal Government of Nigeria is in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ethiopian Government regarding the Transfer/Exchange of Prisoners. Once implemented, this agreement will allow Nigerian inmates to complete their sentences in Nigeria, with support from their families.

This initiative is particularly important for inmates with underlying health issues. Recent reports from the Federal Prison Hospital in Kaliti revealed the deaths of Ms. Favour Chizoba and Mr. Joachim Uchenna Nwanneneme, who suffered from cardiac arrest and kidney failure, respectively.

While acknowledging that prison conditions can be challenging, the Nigerian government urges its citizens to refrain from engaging in transnational organized crimes, including drug and human trafficking, to avoid imprisonment and the negative consequences that follow. Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport, as a major transit hub, often sees interceptions of drug traffickers, with Nigerians sometimes involved.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to addressing any bilateral issues with Ethiopia caused by the actions of a few individuals, and it will continue its engagement with Ethiopian authorities to foster friendly relations between the two nations.

In conclusion, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to clarify that Dr. Paul Ezike’s claims regarding Nigerian inmates in Kaliti Prison do not align with the official stance on the matter. Efforts are underway to improve the conditions and facilitate the return of these inmates to Nigeria.