The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a case seeking the release of Nigerian prisoners held in Ethiopia’s Haliti prison. The suit, filed by Take Back Nigeria Initiative (TBNI) and coordinated by N. Abumchukwu Okoye, was heard on September 23, 2024, before Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo.
The case, referenced as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/305/2024, seeks a declaration and an order of mandamus compelling several Nigerian government agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, to act in securing the release of the prisoners. The Ethiopian government has reportedly called on Nigeria to take its citizens back.
During the hearing, all parties, except for the Attorney General’s legal representatives, were present in court. The court accepted the written argument submitted on behalf of the Attorney General and treated it as duly argued. After hearing final submissions from the lawyers representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, and the National Assembly, the court reserved its judgment.
Justice Ekwo stated that the court would notify the parties by email or SMS when the judgment is ready.
Following the hearing, Okoye, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, acknowledged that the outcome now rests with the judge. “The judge might rule in favor of the prisoners’ release or against it, depending on his assessment of the case. Whichever way the judgment goes, our case is in the hands of God,” Okoye said.
Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those with family members held in Ethiopia, are anxiously awaiting the court’s decision, hoping that it will lead to the freedom of their loved ones. The Ethiopian government has called on Nigeria to facilitate the return of these citizens, adding to the pressure on Nigerian authorities to act.
