The federal government has announced the release of over 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide as part of its justice system reform efforts.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, made this known on Thursday during a meeting with Chinedu Ogah, chairman of the house of representatives committee on reformatory institutions, in Abuja.
He stated that the inmate population has decreased from over 86,000 to around 81,450 following a review process focused on cases involving minor infractions.
“The correctional service remains a key priority. We must uphold the dignity of even the most vulnerable citizens,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo praised the national assembly for backing the ministry’s reform initiatives and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in achieving lasting changes.
Ogah remarked that the minister’s actions are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s broader goals for justice reform and national progress.
This federal initiative coincides with similar actions at the state level aimed at easing overcrowding in correctional centres.
In May, Halima Mohammed, chief judge of Gombe, authorised the release of 85 inmates from the custodial facilities in Gombe and Billiri.
That decision came after inspections by the state’s criminal justice and inquiry committee across four correctional centres.
The chief judge explained that the visits were intended to identify inmates qualified for bail or outright release.
