MINISTER RELEASES 15 INMATES OF CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ABAKALIKI

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

The Federal Government has released 15 inmates from the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre Abakaliki under the nationwide Custodial Centre Decongestion Initiative.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, who supervised the release explained that those freed were part of the 4,068 inmates sentenced to various terms of imprisonment with option of fine and compensation and were enlisted for release nationwide.

Represented by a member of Custodial Centre Decongestion Committee, Miss Julienne Manga, Dr. Tunji Ojo expressed worry that about 80,804 were held in 253 crowded custodial facilities nationwide as at November 17, 2023.

The Minister noted that 585 million Naira had been raised by corporate bodies and philanthropic individuals to settle the fines imposed on the benefiting inmates.

The Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Ebonyi State Command, Mr. Anthony Chigbata, said the exercise was well intended as the Service had over the years clamoured for the decongestion of Custodial Centres.

Radio Nigeria observed that the inmates were provided with N10,000 each as transportation fare back to their homes.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU