The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate the return of over 270 Nigerians currently detained in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order on November 14, following a lawsuit filed by Sunday Mmaduagwu, Henry Anyanwu, and Leonard Okafor.
The plaintiffs acted on behalf of the detained Nigerians after Ethiopia declared it lacked the budget to provide for their food and welfare.
The court ruled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM must fulfill their statutory duties to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
Justice Ekwo stated, “The applicants have made a credible case to compel the respondents to perform their statutory functions.”
The detainees reportedly face harsh conditions, including inadequate food, lack of medical care, and prolonged detention without trial.
Many were arrested without understanding the charges due to language barriers and denied legal representation.
The court’s order compels the government agencies to take immediate action to repatriate the affected Nigerians.
