The Federal Government has freed 4,068 inmates serving different terms of imprisonment with the option of a fine and compensation in custodial centers nationwide. 

The release was flagged off by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, on Saturday. 

He said the move was part of efforts to decongest custodial centers across the country and make them more conducive for the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.

Tunji-Ojo noted that as of Friday, November 17, 2023, there were about 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities nationwide, with a total installed capacity of less than 50,000.

He called for reform in the criminal justice administration to enable the speedy dispensation of justice, pointing out that a large number of inmates in custodial centers are awaiting trial.

According to him, the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, where 37 of the beneficiary inmates were released, has the installed capacity to hold 560 inmates, but currently, a total of 730 inmates are being held in the Custodial Centre. He added that out of the 730 inmates, 565 of them are awaiting trial.

“This shows that our custodial facilities are overcrowded, necessitating this initiative we are flagging off today, which is targeted towards addressing the overcrowding conundrum bedevilling our custodial centres and their reformatory functions.

“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,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo explained that most of the inmates being granted freedom are indigents who could not afford to pay their fines and have been languishing in custody.

The Minister disclosed that the sum of N585,000,000.00 was raised by philanthropic individuals, groups, and corporate bodies as part of their corporate social responsibility for the purpose of releasing the inmates.

He added that the Federal Government is providing each of the released inmates with a stipend to enable them to return to their communities.

Tunji-Ojo charged the benefiting inmates to see their freedom as a second chance to make things right again, advising them to stay off crime and criminality, saying all must join hands with President Tinubu to make Nigeria a great nation.