In a significant move to decongest custodial centers, the Federal Government has freed 37 inmates from the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre and Suleja Centre. This initiative, led by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola, aims to alleviate the overcrowding in prisons across the country.
As part of their release, the inmates paid fines ranging from N15,000 to N130,000, which were facilitated by public-spirited individuals in collaboration with the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a non-governmental organization (NGO). These fines fulfilled the conditions for their freedom.
During a handover ceremony at the Kuje Custodial Center, the Comptroller of Correctional Service for the Federal Capital Territory, Ibrahim Idris, expressed his appreciation to Aregbeshola for spearheading the process that led to the inmates’ release. He credited the recent National Conference on Prisons Decongestion, attended by esteemed judges, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, for the initiative.
Of the 37 inmates, five were released from Kuje, with the documents of four others being processed for immediate release. The remaining inmates were freed from the Suleja center. Idris highlighted that some of the inmates had been imprisoned for minor offenses but were unable to pay their fines.
Recognizing the importance of post-release rehabilitation, Ogechi Ogu, the deputy director of PRAWA, emphasized the need for public-spirited individuals to support the inmates in reintegrating into society and building a decent livelihood for themselves. Ogu commended the efforts of PRAWA in championing prison decongestion, emphasizing that it saves the country significant sums of taxpayers’ money spent on feeding inmates annually. She urged the public to refrain from stigmatizing former inmates and instead provide them with opportunities to contribute positively to society.
One of the released inmates, speaking to reporters, called on the government to create employment opportunities for young people to reduce the temptation to engage in criminal activities.
By releasing these inmates and taking steps to address prison overcrowding, the Federal Government demonstrates its commitment to a more equitable and rehabilitative justice system, fostering a safer and more inclusive society for all.