The federal government, through the Ministry of Interior, has begun the payment of N585 million in fines for the release of 4,068 inmates in correctional centers across Nigeria as part of efforts to decongest the facilities.
The initiative was launched in Abuja on Saturday, 8th November 2023, by Minister Olubunmi Ojo at the Kuje medium-security prison.
Ojo specified that inmates with fines below N1 million, numbering around 4,068, are eligible for this initiative.
He emphasized that this effort aims to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities and prevent prolonged detention resulting from the inability to pay bail.
Additionally, the beneficiaries will receive stipends to aid their reintegration into their respective communities.
The minister emphasized that the funding for the program didn’t originate from government funds.
He noted that the funds were assembled via a Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, initiative, gathering contributions from private sector entities and philanthropists across the country.
Story: Ihuoma Ukeje