Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denies Claims of Inmate Plight in Ethiopian Prison

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected the allegations made by Dr. Paul Ezike concerning the conditions of Nigerian inmates held at Kaliti Prison in Ethiopia.

The statement, released on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and signed by Mrs. Francisca K. Omayuli, the Ministry’s spokesperson, disputes the accuracy of Dr. Ezike’s claims.

Dr. Paul Ezike’s video, which gained traction on social media, purportedly highlighted the harsh conditions faced by Nigerian inmates in Kaliti Prison and accused the Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa of inaction regarding their situation.

However, the Ministry has characterized Dr. Ezike’s account as exaggerated and misleading.

According to the Ministry, there are approximately 270 Nigerian nationals serving various prison sentences in Ethiopia, primarily for drug-related offenses. The Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa conducts regular consular visits to assess the well-being of these inmates and liaise with Ethiopian authorities on their behalf.

The Ethiopian authorities, in response to the allegations, have consistently asserted that Nigerian inmates are treated no differently from other prisoners, citing resource limitations and budgetary constraints as their main challenges in managing the prison population.

To address the concerns raised by 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 enacted, this agreement will enable Nigerian inmates to serve their sentences in Nigeria, with support from their families.

This initiative is particularly beneficial for inmates with underlying health issues. Recent information obtained by the Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa revealed the causes of death of two Nigerian inmates, Ms. Favour Chizoba and Mr. Joachim Uchenna Nwanneneme, who succumbed to cardiac arrest and kidney failure, respectively.

The Ministry acknowledges that prison conditions worldwide can be challenging, emphasizing the importance of Nigerian citizens refraining from engaging in transnational organized crimes, including drug and human trafficking, to avoid incarceration and associated negative consequences. Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport, a major transit hub, frequently witnesses drug trafficking incidents, sometimes involving Nigerian individuals.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to addressing any bilateral issues arising from the actions of a few individuals and will continue its dialogue with Ethiopian authorities to maintain friendly relations between the two nations.

In conclusion, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sought to clarify that Dr. Paul Ezike’s allegations regarding Nigerian inmates in Kaliti Prison are not representative of the official stance on the matter. Ongoing efforts are aimed at improving conditions for these inmates and facilitating their return to Nigeria.