The Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and British governments which was signed in December 2013 to enable Nigerian prisoners in the UK return home to complete their terms has been condemned by some Nigerians serving various jail terms in the UK as a result of poor prison facilities and stigma amongst others. The agreement which has been signed is yet to be ratified by parliaments of the two countries.
In an interview with the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK (Dr Dalhatu Tafida), on Tuesday in London confirmed this. Tafida said that some of the prisoners have expressed concern over returning to the country to complete their terms, citing poor prison facilities and stigma as main reasons.
While explaining the framework of the agreement, the envoy said that the prisoner transfer was not an automatic exercise whereby those in jail would return home immediately. According to him, transfer will not be voluntary but decided by both governments.
Also, Tafida said that there had been a decline in the number of Nigerians in jail across the UK.“In 2008 when I assumed office, there were 800 Nigerians serving various terms; but today, the figure had dropped to about 390.”
He attributed the development to less crime, adding that “those who finished their term were released”. “Similarly, those without papers are returning home voluntarily as life is tough here,” he stressed.
Tafida further said that as many as 40 people were usually repatriated monthly under the UK-Nigeria repatriation programme.
Phew! Well, if you ask me, i can agree to the excuse of poor prison facilities but stigma is a big NO!!
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