The Coalition of Lagos State Indigenous Groups (COLSIG) has cautioned and advised the Federal Government against over- pampering or giving concessions to prisoners being deported from Ethiopia or any other nation.

In a press statement in Lagos, yesterday, the group said that doing so would amount to encouraging criminality by Nigerians in foreign countries.

The statement was signed by its Convener, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, and made available to journalists.

The group said it had followed with concern reports regarding Nigerian citizens currently serving prison sentences in Ethiopia and discussions on their possible repatriation to Nigeria.

“While every Nigerian citizen is entitled to consular assistance and humane treatment, it must be remembered that these individuals were convicted by courts of law and are serving sentences imposed for criminal offences,” the group stated.

COLSIG is of the view that any Nigerian inmate repatriated from Ethiopia should be handed over directly to the Nigerian Correctional Service upon arrival in Nigeria without special treatment or concession.

“Such persons should first be received and processed by the appropriate federal authorities in Abuja, before being transferred to correctional facilities within the country to complete the outstanding portions of their sentences.

“Repatriation should not be seen as a means of avoiding punishment or securing premature freedom by the inmates,” COLCIG emphasised.

The organisation was of the view that those who have been lawfully convicted must serve their sentences in full.

“Nigeria is already facing significant security challenges. It would be inappropriate for convicted offenders to be released into society without completing the prison terms imposed upon them.

The group also expressed concerns about the impression created by recent public engagements with convicted inmates.

“While government officials have a responsibility to attend to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, such engagements should be conducted in a manner that reflects the seriousness of the circumstances and does not inadvertently glorify criminal conduct.

Millions of Nigerians at home and abroad are honest, hardworking and law-abiding citizens who continue to uphold the good name of our country.

“Their reputation should not be diminished by the actions of a few individuals who have fallen foul of the laws of another nation,” it said.

COLSIG therefore calls on the Federal Government to ensure that any repatriation arrangement should be handled strictly in accordance with the law, with full respect for existing prison transfer procedures and the rule of law.

“Lagos State should not be made the destination for repatriated convicts simply because it serves as Nigeria’s principal international gateway.

1. “Such individuals should be received by the appropriate federal authorities and thereafter transferred through the proper channels to serve the remainder of their sentences,” the group concluded.