THE Federal Government has announced intentions to release 4, 068 inmates around the country as part of efforts to decongest the nation’s correctional facilities.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated during the flag-off event in Abuja that the program is aimed at struggling inmates who cannot afford to pay their fines.
He stated that the Federal Government had raised N585 million to pay fines and secure the release of 4, 068 detainees throughout the country.
According to the minister, the funds were raised for this purpose by corporate entities and philanthropists.
“Today, we flag off the release of about 4, 068 inmates. This is in a bid to decongest custodial centres as well as make them ready for proper reformation and rehabilitation to take place,” the minister said.
The minister stated that the initiative was aimed at inmates with fines and compensation of less than N1 million, emphasizing that the government’s commitment to transforming custodial and non-custodial facilities was launched to align with international human rights standards and effective correctional practices, and was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.
He lauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for their commitment to humane custody and national security, and stated that the Ministry of Interior would work with the Ministry of Justice to address the growing number of awaiting trial inmates in various detention facilities across the country.
Ministers of Justice and leaders of anti-corruption agencies from all Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries attended the meeting.
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, also commended the minister for the initiative.
