The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has flagged off the release of 4,068 inmate nationwide with the option of fine or compensation.
Dr Olubunmi disclosed this during the flag off ceremony at Nigeria Correctional Center, Ebonyi State Command in Abakaliki, the State Capital.
In Abakaliki Command of the Nigerian Correctional Center,15 inmates were released out of about 1400 inmates in the center.
The Minister, who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Miss Manga Julienne Esther, said “It is with great pleasure that I stand before you this day to flag off the release of 4,068 inmates sentenced to various terms of imprisonment with option of fine and compensation in Custodial Centres nationwide. This is in our bid to decongest Custodial Centres and make them humane for proper reformation and rehabilitation of offenders to take place.
“As at the 17th day of November 2023, there were about 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities nationwide, which total installed capacity for the 253 Custodial Centres adds up to less than 50,000. This shows that our Custodial facilities are over-crowded; necessitating this initiative we are flagging off today, which is targeted towards addressing the overcrowding conundrum bedeviling our Custodial Centres and their reformatory function.
“Today, we flag off the release of a total of 4,068 inmates who are serving different terms of imprisonment in lieu of fines and/or compensation. Most of the benefitting inmates at the verge of their freedom are indigents who cannot afford to pay their fines, and are languishing in custody. The sum of Five Hundred and Eighty-five Million Naira only (N585,000,000.00)was raised by philanthropic individuals, groups and corporate bodies, as part of their corporate social responsibility, for this purpose.
“Hence, all inmates in Custodial Centres who have fines and/or compensation not exceeding One Million Naira only (N1,000,000.00) are qualified, and would benefit from this gesture. In addition, we are also providing each of them a stipend to enable them return to their communities.
“Suffice it to mention at this point that we are not just releasing them to their fates, we have given them requisite training aimed at impacting their lives functionally and equipping them with the knowledge for their self-reliance upon discharge. The training also covers their civic duties and responsibilities as citizens, and strategies of refraining from reoffending.
“In line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mantra of Renewed Hope, the benefitting inmates have been given a second opportunity to get back to track and contribute to the ongoing development of our dear nation. “
He appreciated the Controller-General of Corrections and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service for providing the needed platform and mechanisms towards the safe and humane custody of inmates.
He also appreciated all stakeholders who facilitated this noble gesture as their corporate social responsibility.
Moreso, he equally appreciated the members of the committee executing the programme.
“To the benefitting inmates, I implore you to see this as a second chance to make things right again. You are therefore advised to stay off crime and criminality, and all join hands with our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to make Nigeria a great nation. Abide by the instructions and training you have received while in custody, and be a good ambassador in your communities,” he warned.
On his part, the Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Center Ebonyi State Command, Mr Anthony Chigbata thanked the Minister for the good thought of decongesting the Correctional Centers Across the Country.
Chigbata enjoins the benefiting inmates to be of good behavior as they go to their different places.
One of the Benefiting inmates, Mr. Ugo Okwudiri on behalf of others thanked Nigerian Government for reforming them.
