A cross-section of Nigerians whose family members are being held in Kalite Prison, Ethiopia, have appealed to the federal government for urgent intervention to secure the release or transfer of their loved ones back to Nigeria.
According to the families, over 270 Nigerian citizens are currently detained in Ethiopia, with some—including Basil Lawrence Ilobi, Chizoba Favour Eze, and Uchenna Wanoneme—already dead. In contrast, several others suffer from critical illnesses.
The families are urging the government to activate the Prisoner Transfer Arrangement signed between Nigeria and Ethiopia as a way of ending what they described as “the deplorable conditions” their relatives face.
Ambassador Onwuka Ifeanyi Collins, President General of My Dreamalive Development Foundation, lamented the dire living conditions in the prison. “The Nigerian Embassy has witnessed the situation firsthand,” he said, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, state governors, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to intervene urgently.
Collins raised concerns over the inmates’ welfare, citing “inadequate food, poor medical care, negligence, brutal treatment, and extortion by prison officials.”
“It is sad that some detainees have already died due to these harsh conditions, while others are suffering from illnesses, including kidney stones and stroke. We cannot continue to watch helplessly as our brothers languish in prison without a fair trial. We therefore need urgent help,” he added.
Separately, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIDCOM to facilitate the return of the imprisoned Nigerians on November 14, 2024.
The court cited the Ethiopian government’s declaration that it has no budget for its food and welfare.
Amb. Collins further urged the Federal Government to liaise with Ethiopian authorities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Exchange of Sentenced Persons, in line with existing agreements and the court’s directive.
