FG Pays N585 Million Fines, Begins Nationwide Release of Prisoners, Gives Ex-Inmates N10k Each
- The federal government has collected N585 million to address fines for inmates, aiming to alleviate overcrowding in correctional centers
- Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reveals the government's commitment during the release of 150 inmates in Kano
- The move according to Ojo, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to decongest custodial centers nationwide
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements
The federal government headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a move to decongest the Nigerian prison.
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150 inmates freed in Kano
As reported by The Punch, on Thursday, November 30, Tinubu's government disclosed it had raised N585 million for the settlement of fines for inmates in a bid to decongest correctional centres across the country.
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The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by an assistant director in the ministry, Dr Anayo Romanus-Nzekwe, confirmed the update to newsmen in Kano, during the release of 150 inmates, whose fines were settled by FG.
How Tinubu planned the inmates freedom, gave them N10,000 each, minister speaks
Recall that the minister had ealier lamented that no fewer than 4,000 inmates were languishing in detention over their inability to pay fines.
The minister, speaking through Romanus-Nzekwe, said the freed inmates were among the 4,068 billed for a release in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Each of the freed inmates was given N10,000 to enable them to return to their various homes and villages.
Speaking on the development, Minister Tunji-Ojo said the FG's initiative seeks to address the plight of over 4,000 inmates unable to pay fines and facing prolonged detention.
He noted that the funds were gotten from individuals, groups, and corporate bodies for the nationwide initiative.
The minister therefore highlights the importance of the public embracing returning inmates without stigmatization to prevent recidivism.
Meanwhile, Ojo noted that the funds raised through philanthropic efforts serve as a crucial step toward a more rehabilitative and less punitive justice system.
Minister reveals amount Tinubu spends on feeding inmates everyday
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal government disclosed that no less than N3 million was used to feed 4,000 inmates across the country on a daily basis.
Channels Television reported that the figure was argued to justify the decongestion of the correctional centres across the country with immediate effect.
The minister maintained that Nigeria has 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities, and feeding them takes a huge chunk of money from the federal government's pocket.
Tinubu gives marching order on Nigeria's borders
Also, Legit.ng reported that Tinubu has given marching orders to the ministry of interior to secure Nigeria's borders, according to the minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo said this while speaking on Tuesday evening, November 28, on Channels Television's Politics Today. The programme was monitored by Legit.ng.
The federal government reiterated its determination and commitment to improve the security of all citizens to reduce the current security challenges.
“My parents languishing in IDP”: Senator
In another development, Legit.ng also reported that a senator representing Benue North-west, Titus Zam, said his parents are currently languishing in one of the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the northern state.
Zam stated that this is due to the endless insecurity caused by armed bandits who attacked different areas of the state in 2022.
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Source: Legit.ng
