Tinubu secures repatriation deal for 100 Nigerian prisoners in Ethiopia, Group says

● First prisoner transfer pact in 12 years hailed as “compassionate, people-centred leadership”

A pressure group, President Tinubu’s Ambassadors [PTA], says the federal government has signed a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia for the repatriation of about 100 Nigerian prisoners, calling it proof of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the dignity and welfare of citizens abroad.

The group made the claim in a statement issued in Abuja on June 18, 2026, signed by its National Coordinator, *Evangelist Nwa-Jesus Onuorah*. Onuorah said the deal reflects the administration’s dedication to protecting the rights and interests of Nigerians “regardless of tribe and religion,” and underscores the government’s resolve that Nigerians overseas be treated with fairness and compassion.

According to PTA, the last prisoner transfer agreement Nigeria signed with another sovereign nation was with the United Kingdom in 2014 — 12 years ago. The group described the Ethiopia pact as a “landmark agreement” and “yet another testament to the compassionate and people-centred leadership of the President.”

“This latest agreement underscores the administration’s resolve to protect the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad and reflects a deep concern for humane treatment as part of their fundamental rights,” the statement said. “By facilitating the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from Ethiopia, he has demonstrated that no Nigerian is forgotten, regardless of circumstance or location.”

PTA noted that a significant number of the prisoners covered by the agreement are from the South-East geopolitical zone, mostly itinerant businessmen. The group said the development will bring “immense relief” to families who have waited years for reunification, and that it counters concerns that some detainees faced prolonged incarceration without adequate representation.

The group also commended Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, for facilitating the arrangement and advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Ethiopia. However, it urged her to raise with Ethiopian authorities reports of alleged harassment, extortion, unlawful detention and other mistreatment of Nigerian travellers transiting through Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines.

“Protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad must remain a central objective of the country’s diplomatic engagements,” Onuorah stated. “We urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to thoroughly investigate these concerns and work with the appropriate authorities to ensure that Nigerian citizens are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect at all points of transit.”

PTA concluded by commending President Tinubu for what it called a “historic achievement” and urged the administration to continue pursuing policies and diplomatic engagements that uphold the dignity, rights and welfare of all Nigerians, at home and abroad.