FG Urged to Rescue Nigerians in Ethiopian Prison

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Families of over 270 Nigerians currently languishing in Ethiopia’s Kaliti Prison have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene urgently and secure the release or transfer of their loved ones back home.

The detainees, many of whom have been incarcerated for extended periods, are reportedly subjected to deplorable conditions, including inadequate food, poor medical care, brutality, and extortion by prison officials. Some inmates are said to be suffering from severe health complications.

Speaking on behalf of the affected families, President General of My Dreamalive Development Foundation, Mr. Onwuka Ifeanyi Collins, in a statement, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, state governors, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to take immediate action to rescue the detained citizens.

He also called on the government to activate the Prisoner Transfer Agreement already signed with the Ethiopian authorities to end the ongoing ordeal faced by the Nigerians.

NiDCOM Flays Abuse of Nigerians in India

Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed deep concern over reports alleging rape, assault, and the forced administration of unknown substances on Nigerian girls held in deportation camps in New Delhi, India.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condemned the reported abuses, insisting that Nigerian citizens must not be treated as less than human or have their vulnerability exploited under the guise of immigration procedures.

“We are further alarmed by claims that corrupt practices involving middlemen and certain groups are worsening the plight of our citizens through exploitation and extortion. If verified, such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine justice and due process,” she said.

NiDCOM reassured victims and their families that the disturbing reports would not be ignored and that necessary diplomatic actions would be pursued to ensure justice and accountability.