•FG to push prisoner transfer deal with Tanzanian authorities — Foreign Affairs Ministry By Nkiruka Nnorom Two Nigerian men recently released from prisons in Tanzania have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene and secure the transfer of other Nigerians still languishing in jails across the East African country. The ex-inmates, Okechukwu and Henry, told Saturday Vanguard separately that poor prison conditions, lack of parole for foreigners, and long delays in trial were worsening the plight of Nigerians convicted and those awaiting trial in Tanzania. They noted that over 30 Nigerians were jailed in different prisons in Tanzania with more than 20 in Ukonga Central Prison in Dar es Salaam alone and appealed to the government to take advantage of the prison transfer agreement with the country to bring the inmates back to the country.
In a swift response, the Federal Government said it would take up the issue of a prisoner transfer agreement with Tanzania as part of efforts to secure the return of Nigerians serving jail terms in the East African country One of us died, we served 15 years Narrating his experience, Okechukwu, who was deported to Nigeria three months ago after spending15 years in prison, said he was among four Nigerians sentenced to 30 years for drug-related offences. One of them died in prison in 2016. Out of the four people, one passed away in prison in 2016 while I was there.
So, three of us remained,” he said. He explained that although they were sentenced to 30 years, Tanzanian law requires a convict to serve at least 20 years. He explained that after three failed appeals, their lawyer pleaded for the sentence to count from the day they entered prison in March 2011.
“As God will have it, the judge gave us that privilege. Our release date was supposed to be 2031,” he said. He noted that their release was fast-tracked in 2020 when Tanzania’s President granted a general remission.
“In 2020, the woman president pardoned all cases. Those on life sentences, who have served for 20 years went home. Those on 30 years had five years removed.
So, instead of 2031 that was supposed to be our release date, it became 2026. That is why I came back this year,” Okechukwu said. He added that upon release, deportees are held by immigration and given thre…
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