In a bid to alleviate congestion in the nation’s correctional centers, the Federal Government has announced its intention to release 4,068 inmates nationwide.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the program’s focus on indigent inmates incapable of paying their fines during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja.
To facilitate the release, the Federal Government has secured N585 million, raised by both corporate bodies and philanthropists. Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that this initiative aims to decongest custodial centers, preparing them for effective reformation and rehabilitation.
“This is in a bid to decongest custodial centers as well as make them ready for proper reformation and rehabilitation to take place,” stated the minister during the announcement.
The funds will be utilized to cover fines and compensation for inmates, ensuring their release. The minister specified that the initiative targets inmates with fines and compensation not exceeding N1 million. This commitment aligns with international human rights standards and effective correctional practices, reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.
Commending the Nigerian Correctional Service for its dedication to humane custody and national security, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed the Ministry of Interior’s intent to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice. The goal is to address the growing number of awaiting trial inmates in various detention facilities across the country.
The event, attended by Ministers of Justice and heads of anti-corruption agencies from ECOWAS countries, highlighted collaborative efforts to tackle challenges in detention facilities.
Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, commended the minister for the visionary initiative, acknowledging its positive impact on the correctional system.
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