The Federal Government has asked state governors to establish their own correctional services and also build their custodial centers, saying that the law has empowered them to do so.
Speaking at a two-day conference on Decongestion and Corrections Administration in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, lamented that the congestion of custodial centers had taken a toll on the finances of the FG.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, had disclosed that the FG earmarked N22.44bn to feed inmates in all the custodial centers across the country.
Belgore said 90 percent of inmates in the custodial facilities were arrested and being prosecuted by state governments.
Speaking on Thursday, Aregbesola maintained that states must see to the accommodation and care of its offenders to save cost.
He said, “With the amendment to the constitution in this regard, states are now empowered to build correctional centers and facilities to house offenders, who are convicted and sentenced for committing state offenses. Where states are unable to build custodial centers, it is believed that they can suggest ways to collaborate with the Federal Government in feeding and housing these state offenders.
“Overcrowding in the custodial centers has led to a huge revenue drain for the Federal Government, being the only party shouldering the responsibility of running and maintaining the custodial centers. The Federal Government can’t bear this anymore. I am going to leave strict recommendations to my successor on that law. We would rather use the money meant for feeding inmates to improve our facilities. “
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, said the congestion of custodial centers was responsible for jailbreaks.
He said, “Unnecessary congestion of prisons has led to jailbreaks and of course, overstretching the dilapidated custodial centers built 100 years ago.
“In order to enthrone a seamless dispensation of justice, the issue of congestion and reform has always occupied the front burner of discussion since the advent of this democratic dispensation and we have been waiting with bated breath to see the reform truly happen in our lifetime.”
Justice Ariwolola called on judges to interpret the law the right way as well as visit custodial centers with the aim of setting free inmates with minor offenses and those being erroneously tried.
He said, “The law should be interpreted the way it should be and must be done with the fear of the almighty God. Our visit to the custodial centers should also be increased with a view to setting free those inmates with minor offenses and those that ought not to be there in the first place.
“I passionately appeal to judicial officers and those directly and remotely connected to the administration of the justice chain in the country to distance themselves from primordial sentiment and disposition.”
