Thailand to deport 49 Nigerian prisoners

LAGOS: -- Forty-nine Nigerian prisoners who have spent two-thirds of their terms at the Central Maximum Security Prisons in Thailand's capital Bangkok are to be deported to Nigeria next month.

Local newspaper The Guardian on Saturday quoted Nigeria's Federal Attorney General Akinlolu Charles Olujimi as reporting that the decision was made by Nigeria and Thailand after a consultative meeting between him and his Thai counterpart Kampree Kaocharen.

"Both countries have agreed to work out a pact on mutual assistance on criminal matters between the two governments," he said.

According to Olujimi, also Nigerian Minister of Justice, there are a total of 88 Nigerian prisoners serving various terms at Thailand's Central Maximum Security Prison.

During his visit to Thailand, Olujimi said he paid a visit to the Bangkok Central Prisons and held a two-hour parley with the Nigerian prisoners who told him their experiences and pleaded with the government to assist them to go home.

According to Thai Attorney General Kaocharen, the Thai government would continue providing the best kind of reformatory services and facilities to all the prisoners, including the Nigerian prisoners.

Kaocharen urged the Nigerian government to speed up the processof signing the act on mutual assistance in criminal matters so that the financial burdens imposed on the prisoners during their sentencing can be mitigated accordingly.

"This arrangement will enhance the repatriation of prisoners that have served substantial percentage of their prison terms," said the Thai attorney general.

--TNA 2005-04-23

Having been inside Kiri Kiri Gaol (Lagos Nigeria)I wouldnt be at all supprised if these guys would prefere to stay in LOS.

and before....No I was working over there and visiting it trying to get one of guys out.

What a shame to see so many leave. I understand the Nigerian soccer team at the prison was one of the better foreign teams, although I'm sure their competition will be glad to see them leave.