FG Releases 4,550 Inmates To Decongest Prisons, Pledges Deeper Correctional Reforms

The Federal Government has announced the release of 4,550 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide as part of efforts to decongest prisons and push forward with criminal justice reforms.

Speaking during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that the number of inmates has dropped from over 86,000 to approximately 81,450 following a nationwide review of minor and bailable offences.

According to the minister, many of the released inmates had been held for petty crimes and were freed after their fines were paid, a key component of ongoing reforms aimed at restoring fairness and dignity within the justice system.

“Our correctional centres house the most vulnerable… It is our moral and constitutional duty to ensure they are treated with dignity and fairness,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He stressed that the Ministry remains committed to collaboration with the National Assembly to strengthen the correctional system and that the Nigerian Correctional Service remains one of the government’s most important tools for justice and rehabilitation.

Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, praised the ministry’s progress, saying it reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s security and justice systems.