The Federal Government announced on Thursday that it had raised N585m as part of an initiative to settle fines for inmates, aiming to alleviate congestion in correctional centres across Nigeria. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by an Assistant Director in the ministry, Dr. Anayo Romanus-Nzekwe, disclosed this during the release of 150 inmates in Kano, whose fines were settled by the government.
The move is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on decongesting custodial centres to ensure a more humane environment for rehabilitation and reformation. The minister had previously expressed concern about over 4,000 inmates languishing in detention due to their inability to pay fines.
Speaking through Romanus-Nzekwe, the minister stated, “The Federal Government wants to decongest custodial centres and make them humane for proper reformation and rehabilitation of offenders to take place.”
Out of the N585m raised through contributions from philanthropic individuals, groups, and corporate bodies, N13.4m was spent in Kano State for the release of inmates. The initiative aims to support inmates with fines and compensation not exceeding N1m.
The freed inmates, sentenced to various terms of imprisonment with the option of fine, were unable to afford the fines and were thus released. Each released inmate received N10,000 to facilitate their return to their homes and communities.
The minister commended the Controller-General of Corrections and the Nigerian Correctional Service staff for their efforts in providing the necessary platform for safe and humane custody. He urged the public and communities to welcome the returning inmates without stigma, emphasizing the importance of their reintegration into society.
In a similar effort, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima Mohammed, pardoned and released 185 inmates across five custodial facilities in the state. The release followed the recommendation of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee, with the Chief Judge urging the ex-inmates to maintain good behavior and those awaiting trial to exhibit patience while waiting for court sentencing.
The initiative in both Kano and Gombe states reflects a commitment to justice reform, compassion, and efforts to decongest correctional facilities for the betterment of the justice system and the individuals involved.
