Peter Obi Praises Nigeria-Ethiopia Prisoner Transfer, Mourns Four Deaths

Peter Obi has commended Nigerian and Ethiopian authorities over the prisoner transfer agreement between both countries, while expressing sadness over reports that four Nigerians died in Ethiopian custody during the long process.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate framed the development as both a diplomatic gain and a reminder of the risks many Nigerians face while searching for opportunities abroad.

Nigeria and Ethiopia recently signed a Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement in Addis Ababa. The agreement allows convicted nationals of both countries to serve the rest of their sentences in their home countries, rather than remaining in foreign prisons.

Reports said Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, signed for Nigeria, while Ethiopia’s Justice Minister, Hanna Arayaselassie, signed for Ethiopia. The process was facilitated by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Ethiopian officials.

Obi praised the officials involved but said it was heartbreaking that at least four Nigerian citizens reportedly lost their lives in custody while diplomatic and administrative talks continued.

Blueprint had earlier reported that more than 100 Nigerians in Ethiopian correctional facilities were expected to benefit from the arrangement, including inmates at Kaliti and Aba Samuel prisons.

Obi also linked the situation to wider migration pressure, saying many young Nigerians caught in such circumstances were seeking better opportunities and sometimes transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport.

He urged Nigeria to treat the case as a reminder that economic hardship and weak opportunities at home continue to push citizens into risky journeys and difficult legal situations abroad.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, TheWill, Blueprint, QED.ng