The Federal Government has initiated the release of 4,068 inmates held in correctional facilities nationwide due to their inability to pay fines. A total of N585 million, raised by corporate bodies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, is being utilized for this purpose.
During the launch of the program on Saturday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted that this effort aims to alleviate prison congestion in the country.
He stated, “As of yesterday, November 17, 2023, there were about 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities nationwide with a total installed capacity of less than 50,000. It shows that our custodial centres are overcrowded, necessitating this initiative we are flagging off today.”
The minister specified that inmates with fines exceeding N1 million would not be eligible for the program. Additionally, each qualifying inmate will receive a stipend to support their reintegration into the community.
