37 Prison Inmates in Rivers State Set Free by FG
The Ministry of Interior under the Federal government has released 37 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre and the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ahoada, Rivers State. Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made the announcement during the inmates’ release event at the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
The initiative is a part of the Federal Government’s efforts to decrease overcrowding in custodial centers, enhance correctional facilities, and improve the welfare of both staff and inmates across correctional centers nationwide. Tunji-Ojo also mentioned that the release of the inmates aligns with the President Bola Tinubu led administration’s mission to free 4,068 inmates who were sentenced to various imprisonment terms with the option of a fine and compensation in custodial centers nationwide.
Represented by his Technical Adviser, Mr Tunde Ogundare, the minister stated that the freed inmates were given a stipend of N10,000 each to support their return home. Additionally, he highlighted that over N585 million was raised as part of corporate social responsibility from different organizations to facilitate the inmates’ release.
Expressing concern, Ogundare mentioned the overcrowding at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre surpassing its original design. He revealed that despite being designed to accommodate about 800 inmates, the centre currently holds over 4,000 inmates. This leads to more than 500 percent congestion, with five people occupying the space meant for one person. He stated that the current administration finds this situation unacceptable and is taking measures to address it.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the nationwide decongestion of custodial centers is a short-term measure in the government’s efforts to combat overcrowding. He also disclosed that the released inmates had received training in various skills and vocations, as well as post-release orientation courses to aid their seamless reintegration into their communities. He urged the public, particularly the communities of the former inmates, to accept and support them, and cautioned against stigmatizing them.
