The Federal Government has released and empowered eleven inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Enugu.

The beneficiaries were drawn from custodial centres in Enugu, Nsukka, Oji River, and Ibite-Olo.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the released inmates during his visit to Enugu on Saturday.

The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader prison decongestion program, which recently commenced with the release of 4,068 inmates across custodial centres nationwide.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity of decongesting custodial centres to facilitate effective reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.

The move comes as a response to the over-crowded conditions in these facilities, with 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities nationwide as of November 2023, surpassing the total installed capacity of less than 50,000 inmates.

The Minister highlighted that the released inmates, many on the verge of freedom, include indigent individuals unable to pay fines.

Philanthropic individuals, groups, and corporate bodies contributed a total of N585,000,000.00 for the release, aligning with their corporate social responsibility.

Addressing the released inmates, Tunji-Ojo urged them to steer clear of criminal activities.

He outlined the support provided, stating, “In addition, we are also providing each of them a stipend to enable them to return to their communities.”

The Minister emphasized that the inmates had received training to equip them with functional skills, instill civic duties and responsibilities, and discourage reoffending.

Tunji-Ojo concluded by expressing the government’s commitment to transforming custodial and non-custodial facilities to align with international human rights standards and good correctional practices.

“I hereby flag off the release of 4,068 inmates with the option of fine and compensation nationwide to the glory of God,” he declared.