News
Troubles for 700 Nigerian prisoners in UK
More than 700 Nigerians alongside nationals of other countries serving jail terms in different prisons across England and Wales may soon be repatriated to their various countries. National Director, Church God Chaplains Commission (NTCG, England & Wales) and Coordinator, Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative, Rev. Michael Angley Ogwuche, disclosed this, among other revelations, in a chat with The Nation’s INNOCENT DURU.
Is it true that there are plans by the UK govt to deport more than 700 Nigerian prisoners and those of other nations?
A recent announcement by the UK government reveals a new £5 million investment aimed at accelerating the deportation of foreign national offenders (FNOs) from prisons across England and Wales. This development, which includes the deployment of specialist staff to 80 prisons, is part of a broader strategy to address overcrowding and reduce costs to British taxpayers. While this move promises significant benefits for the UK’s prison system, it also raises critical questions about its impact on Nigerian citizens currently incarcerated in the UK and the readiness of Nigeria to reintegrate these individuals.
Furthermore, the potential diplomatic hurdles involved cannot be overlooked. Foreign nationals currently make up about 12% of the UK prison population, with a significant portion being Nigerians. The UK government has intensified efforts to expedite the removal of these offenders, removing 2,580 foreign criminals since July 2024; a 23% increase compared to the previous year. The newly announced funding will create 82 specialist roles focused on speeding up deportations, with these officers set to be fully operational by April 1, 2025.
The 700 prisoners may not all be affected, as some may have legal grounds for remaining in the UK due to established family ties and may not have exhausted their legal appeals. Accelerated deportations could potentially infringe upon their right to due process.
What, in your view, gave rise to this?
According to James Timpson, the UK’s Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, British taxpayers should not have to bear the cost of housing foreign criminals. He emphasised that faster deportations are a crucial part of the government’s plan for change, which aims to reform the prison system and enhance public safety. However, for the estimated 700 Nigerian citizens currently serving sentences in the UK, this development could significantly alter their circumstances potentially fast-tracking their return to Nigeria under the Early Removal Scheme. This scheme allows for the deportation of foreign offenders up to 18 months before the completion of their sentences.
How does this affect Nigerians?
Many Nigerian prisoners may not have exhausted their legal appeals in the UK. Accelerated deportations could potentially infringe upon their right to due process. Moreover, the speed of deportations might strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly if Nigeria is perceived as being unprepared to reintegrate these returnees.
Do you think Nigerian prisons have the capacity to handle this?
Nigeria’s prison system is already overstretched, with issues such as overcrowding and limited rehabilitation resources. An influx of deported prisoners could exacerbate these challenges, making reintegration and rehabilitation efforts even more difficult.
Furthermore, early deportation could lead to severe emotional and financial strain for those with established family ties in the UK, separating families across continents without adequate support mechanisms in place.
What economic and Social pressures could this cause for Nigeria?
Repatriating a significant number of Nigerian prisoners could burden Nigeria’s already overstretched correctional facilities and rehabilitation programmes. The economic cost of reintegrating these individuals many of whom may lack employable skills or support networks could pose an additional challenge.
Do you foresee any diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the UK?
In January 2014, the BBC reported that the UK and Nigeria signed a prisoner-exchange deal. The agreement was intended to allow citizens convicted in either country to serve their sentences in their homeland, promoting reintegration into the community upon release. However, it remains unclear whether this agreement has been fully implemented or what its impact has been on Nigerian prisoners in the UK. The speed and scale of the current deportation efforts could lead to tension between the two countries, particularly if deportations are seen as abrupt and lacking proper coordination. Ensuring a smooth and humane process would require extensive dialogue between the Nigerian High Commission in London and UK authorities.
Do you foresee any form of stigmatisation and reintegration challenge?
Returning prisoners often face significant stigma upon arrival in Nigeria, complicating efforts at reintegration. Without comprehensive support systems, these individuals risk becoming marginalised, which could increase the likelihood of recidivism or lead to other socio-economic problems. From the UK’s perspective, the financial savings and reduction in prison overcrowding are clear benefits. By removing foreign offenders faster, the UK could save millions in incarceration costs and free up prison spaces.
What is the economic implications for Nigeria?
For this new policy to succeed without causing undue strain on Nigeria’s resources, a strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria is essential. This could involve capacity-building support for Nigerian correctional facilities; Funding for rehabilitation programmes to ensure effective reintegration of deportees; Bilateral agreements that clarify the responsibilities of both nations regarding deportation and reintegration.
In the coming months, it will be important to monitor how this new measure is implemented and to advocate for a process that respects the dignity and rights of Nigerian prisoners. The Nigerian Overseas Prisoner Support Initiative (NOPSI) will continue to ensure that the voices of Nigerian prisoners are heard and that their rights are upheld during this transition.
Lastly, the UK’s plan to speed up deportations may offer a short-term solution to its prison overcrowding crisis, but it also presents a significant challenge for Nigeria. The diplomatic and ethical dimensions of this policy cannot be ignored. Ensuring that deportations are conducted fairly, humanely, and in close cooperation with Nigerian authorities will be essential to preventing further strain on Nigeria’s correctional system and its diplomatic relations with the UK.
The likelihood of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan entering the presidential race in 2027 is becoming increasingly apparent, particularly given the recent developments surrounding his potential candidacy.
Reports suggest that Jonathan is discreetly meeting with key political figures across the country, which adds to the anticipation surrounding his possible return to politics. Click link to continue reading.
News
2025: Nigeria Missed Out As Ghana Other Meet Top 10 African Countries With Stable Power Supply Emerge
More questions have been raised over the incompetence of the power sector in the country as Nigeria as many African countries making significant strides in enhancing their power supply stability by investing in modern electricity transmission networks, advanced grid infrastructures, renewable energy sources, and natural gas.
Their diversification prevents disruption in their electricity distribution. Foreign collaboration and smart technology are also some of the positive factors that support these countries’ power sector. …click link for full list here
The Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the black market continues to highlight Nigeria’s forex supply challenges, with many individuals and businesses relying on the parallel market for transactions.
CBN maintains tighter controls and a lower rate at official windows, limited access and allocation restrictions force most importers, businesses, and students abroad to turn to the parallel market, where prices reflect actual demand and supply pressures. Click link to continue reading.
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange rate at the black market also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx)?
See the black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate for yesterday 10th September, below. You can swap your dollar for Naira at these rates.
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1530 and sell at N1545 yesterday 10th September 2025, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC). …CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1525
Selling Rate N1535
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate N1510
Lowest Rate N1506
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has sparked nationwide controversy after declaring that Nigeria belongs only to the Hausa and Yoruba ethnic groups.
In a viral video making the rounds on social media, Fayose dismissed the long-standing belief that Nigeria’s unity rests on a tripod of Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
He claimed that the Igbos have been marginalized and not counted among the country’s dominant groups.
He stated: “They said Nigeria belongs to Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, but that’s a lie… take out that Igbo, stop including them because it’s a lie.”
The remarks have triggered widespread backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of promoting ethnic hatred and fueling disunity.
Others, however, agreed with his statement, describing it as “an honest truth” about Nigeria’s politics.
Netizens Reactions…
@olaoluwasunnyman reacted: “Honest truth.”
@chefnoka said: “History will never forget you, brother. I’m not Igbo, but I love the way you speak and stand for the truth. We need it to move this nation forward.”
@newbilliy commented: “I’m Yoruba but an Igbo President will make Nigeria great. I love Igbo people and their business mindset.”
@beautyjunctiongh wrote: “God bless you, my brother, for saying the truth.”
@benedictoguama asked: “Where is Jonathan from?”
@daveiyke_donnegro stated: “@isaacfayoseoriginal_ God bless you Sir for speaking the truth. I wish other Nigerians can shun tribalism and unite for the progress of Nigeria. Tribalism us a tool against Nigerians and the unity of Nigeria. Politicians have weaponized tribalism which enables them thrive in continued political and socioeconomic incompetence.”
@realtundr4 added: “I agree with what you said, sir, but look at it, does igbo really have d right candidate? Obi is just chameleon to me he’s not real, neither do they have the leadership experience as our current president @officialasiwajubat, the one and only politician that have ever created more millionaires and successful individual in the whole nation. Make we leave hatred, JAGABAN na baba.”
@wellingtonisgreat commented: “@wellingtonisgreat said: “Nigeria belongs to everybody not hausa, yoruba, igbo, Benin have not been president before let us go? You dey talk anyhow.”
@richeart4u said: “Those that have been president, were they given free or charge? Was there a law that stopped Igbo man from being a president? How do people become a president? Or do you mean Igbo have never been allowed to contest for presidency? Same things goes to women too, why are women not hugely represented in all positions even presidency? No one is stopping anyone from becoming anything, you just have to change your strategy and alignment. You can’t be doing same thing over the years and not get the desired result and still want to stick to that failed pattern to achieve a new result. Igbo people and their candidate must be encompassing. Hausa has been aligning more to Igbo people to get whatever position they wanted and why are they not returning the favour hugely? Align to anyone that can boost your change of winning and be well accommodating and understanding the power of choices and politicking. I might be wrong 0000. Na ma small knowledge I take respond oooo.”
Health challenges affect everyone, regardless of their social status or position in society.
These issues can arise unexpectedly and often catch individuals off guard, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures and proper care.
This reality serves as a crucial lesson for political stakeholders and those in public office.
Elisabet Lann, the new swedish health minister, made a dramatic debut as she collapsed on her first day on the job during a press conference.
As reported by The Straits Times, Lann had joined Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other political colleagues at the media briefing on Tuesday, September 9, the same day she was appointed to the role following the sudden resignation of her predecessor.
CNN also noted the scary moment.
Videos, which have gone viral on social media, show Lann swaying while officials are taking questions from reporters.
Following the collapse, Ebba Busch, the deputy prime minister of Sweden, was seen assisting Lann, who was later able to stand and address the media.
Lann told reporters, according to Swedish daily Aftonbladet.
“This wasn’t really a normal Tuesday, and this is what can happen when you have low blood sugar.”
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