Minister Dabiri-Erewa is cited by the House for alleged mistreatment of Nigerians in Ethiopia

On Thursday, the House of Representatives issued a summons to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa. This summons was in response to allegations of the imprisonment and torture of Nigerians in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The resolution was passed subsequent to the approval of a motion that was co-sponsored by Kingsley China, the Minority Leader of the House, along with 10 other individuals. The motion addressed the issue of mistreatment and unlawful confinement of Nigerians, especially flight passengers, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The motion has garnered support from more sponsors, namely Abdussamad Dasukki, Laori Kwamoti Bittrus, Aliyu Madaki, Unyime Idem, Nkwonta Chris, Abbas Adogun, Kabiru Ahmadu, Ibe O. Osonwa, Ginger Onwusibe, and Kelechi Nwogu.

During the motion, Chinda claimed that Paul Ezike disseminated a “save our soul message” on behalf of a Nigerian individual who was purportedly detained and incarcerated in a prison in Ethiopia.

During the motion, Chinda claimed that Paul Ezike disseminated a “save our soul message” on behalf of a Nigerian who was purportedly detained and incarcerated in a prison in Ethiopia.

According to the source, it was reported that a number of Nigerian individuals were detained in Ethiopian correctional facilities, including the Chaota Maximum Security prison. The majority of these individuals were purportedly travelers who had utilized the Ethiopian Airport in Addis Ababa as a transit hub. Allegedly, these individuals were subject to arbitrary arrests, subsequent hospitalization, involuntary administration of substances, and eventual transfer to prison facilities.

As per his assertion, it is imperative to ensure the safeguarding and provision of equal protection to Nigerians residing in Addis Ababa and globally, akin to the protection extended by Nigeria to foreign nationals residing within its borders.

According to his statement, the speaker expressed concern over the ongoing incarceration of over 250 Nigerian individuals in Ethiopia. He emphasized that these individuals face a heightened risk of mortality while in jail due to the prevalence of frequent attacks. Urgent measures must be implemented promptly in order to ensure their safety and well-being.

The speaker highlighted that the Nigerians in question were not only exposed to substandard treatment, but also endured highly distressing circumstances characterized by inadequate nourishment and a lack of access to medical care.

The motion was adopted by the House, which required the committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to extend invitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the NiDCOM chairman. Their purpose would be to provide a briefing on the preventive measures implemented to safeguard Nigerians and air travelers to Addis Ababa. Subsequently, these committees are expected to submit a report within a three-week timeframe, after which additional legislative measures may be pursued.