Federal Government Facilitates Release of 11 Inmates.
In a commendable move towards decongesting custodial centres, the Federal Government has intervened by paying fines for the release of 11 inmates across four facilities in Enugu State.
The action aligns with the government’s commitment to address the issue of overcrowded custodial centres nationwide.
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The custodial centres involved in this initiative include Enugu, Nsukka, and Oji River Custodial Centres, along with Ibiteolo Farm Centre in Ezeagu Local Government Area. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Mrs Ogechi Ogu, the Deputy Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action.
Dr Tunji-Ojo highlighted that these releases are part of a broader effort targeting 4,068 inmates serving various terms of imprisonment across the country. These terms come with the option of a fine and compensation. The primary goal is to decongest the centres and create a more humane environment for the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.
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The Minister further explained that the beneficiaries, most of whom were indigent and unable to pay fines, would receive a stipend of N10,000 each to support their reintegration into their communities. A total of N585 million was raised through the collective efforts of philanthropic individuals, groups, and corporate bodies committed to their corporate social responsibility.
“All inmates in Custodial Centres, who have fines and/or compensation not exceeding N1 million are qualified and would benefit from this gesture,” stated Dr Tunji-Ojo. He emphasized the importance of providing training to equip the released individuals with functional skills for self-reliance upon discharge.
The Minister expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including philanthropic individuals, groups, and corporate bodies, for their contributions. He called on the broader community to welcome these returning citizens without stigmatization, reinforcing the idea that everyone plays a role in the reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.
The Controller of Corrections in the state, Mr Nicholas Obiako, thanked the Federal Government and the Minister on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr Haliru Nababa, for their commitment to paying fines and ensuring the release of the inmates. He highlighted the efforts made by the Enugu State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service to prepare the released inmates through formal education and vocational training.
As the beneficiaries leave the correctional facilities, each carries a Certificate in formal education or a Trade Test Certificate, enabling them to contribute positively to society through gainful employment or self-reliance.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Maduabuchi Okonkwo, expressed gratitude to the President, the Minister, and other stakeholders involved in their release. Okonkwo, speaking on behalf of the other 10 inmates, pledged, “We will not go back to crime as we have learned to be useful to ourselves and society.”
