The Federal Government has started the release of over Four Thousand inmates sentenced to various terms of imprisonment nationwide with option of fine and compensation in Custodial Centres.
The Minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who flagged off the process at the Kuje medium Security Custodial centre in Abuja, said the move is to decongest Custodial Centres and make them humane for proper reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.
These inmates who have yearned for freedom for so long can finally heave a sigh of relief.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo decried the Over crowded nature of Custodial facilities which necessitated the initiative as there are about 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities nationwide.
Tunji Ojo noted that all inmates released across custodial centres will be provided a stipend to enable them function in their various communities.
The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, urged the released inmates to be of good behavior and not return to crime but rather, lead productive lives as responsible and law-abiding citizens.
Nigerians have also been advised to embrace the ‘returning citizens’ with open arms and cautioned against stigmatisation as it could drive them back to criminality, which will further endanger the country.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
