Two Nigerians recently released from prisons in Tanzania have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene and facilitate the transfer of fellow Nigerians still serving jail terms in the East African country, citing harsh prison conditions and prolonged detention.
The former inmates, identified as Okechukwu and Henry, told Saturday Vanguard that more than 30 Nigerians are currently imprisoned across Tanzania, with over 20 being held at Ukonga Central Prison in Dar es Salaam.
They called on the Nigerian government to activate the prisoner transfer agreement between both countries to enable affected inmates complete their sentences in Nigeria.
Responding to the appeal, the Federal Government said it would look into the possibility of pursuing a prisoner transfer arrangement with Tanzanian authorities.
Okechukwu, who returned to Nigeria three months ago after spending 15 years in prison over a drug-related conviction, said he was one of four Nigerians sentenced to 30 years, but one of them died in custody in 2016.
“There were four of us. One passed away in prison in 2016, so only three of us remained,” he said.
He explained that although they were originally expected to regain freedom in 2031, a presidential remission granted in 2020 reduced their sentence by five years, leading to their release in 2026.
Henry, who was deported to Nigeria in October 2025, said he spent about 10 years in detention after being accused of drug trafficking. He disclosed that he spent six years standing trial before being sentenced to life imprisonment, but was later acquitted by the Court of Appeal.
The ex-inmates said many Nigerians remain in prison for long sentences, while others are still awaiting trial under difficult conditions.
They also alleged that some inmates suffer serious health challenges, with several deaths recorded due to illness.
According to them, Tanzanian law allows foreign prisoners to be transferred to their home countries, but such requests must be initiated by the prisoner’s government.
The pair appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Tanzanian authorities and help secure the transfer of Nigerians still in custody.
They also urged the government to strengthen consular support for Nigerians detained abroad and assist those unable to afford travel costs after their release.
Source: Saturday Vanguard.
