FG’s Plan to Alleviate Prison Congestion, 4,000 Inmate To Be Released

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle prison congestion, a critical issue in the country. He disclosed that the Ministry of Interior is committed to paying the fines for over 4,000 inmates, which collectively amount to more than 500 million naira. These inmates have been languishing in correctional facilities due to their inability to settle their fines.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Dr. Tunji Ojo discussed the challenges of prison overcrowding and revealed that he has already taken concrete steps to address the problem. The minister emphasized his commitment to achieving this goal within a stipulated timeframe, giving himself a buffer of four weeks to complete the process, thereby reducing the prison population from approximately 79,000 to around 75,000 inmates.

However, Dr. Tunji Ojo acknowledged that decongesting prisons is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior. He stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Office of the Attorney General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite cases based on the Administration of Criminal Justice System (ACJS).

Additionally, the minister highlighted the need to activate the non-custodial responsibilities of the correctional service to further decongest correctional centers. This approach aims to reduce the burden on the correctional service and implement short-term solutions. A committee has already been established to oversee these efforts.

By executing these plans, Dr. Tunji Ojo believes that the correctional centers’ congestion can be reduced by a significant margin, estimated at 60%-70%.

Beyond addressing prison congestion, the Ministry of Interior has a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s borders. Dr. Tunji Ojo emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s borders, recognizing that border security is fundamental to national security. To achieve this, he has set up an inter-agency committee involving various key organizations, such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Boundary Commission.

This committee will explore a comprehensive approach to border security, combining human intelligence and advanced technology. Dr. Tunji Ojo highlighted the significance of gaining the loyalty of border communities to prevent potential threats from exploiting these areas. The comprehensive approach aims to plug security loopholes and establish a long-lasting border control policy that can endure changes in leadership.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo’s initiatives underscore the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to addressing pressing issues related to prison congestion and border security, with the overarching goal of enhancing national security and justice in Nigeria.