A humanitarian non-governmental organisation, Legend Golden Care Foundation (LGCF), has commended the minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for initiating steps to release 4,068 inmates serving various terms of imprisonment with options of fine or compensation.
The foundation described the development as a major move by the federal government towards addressing the challenge of congestion of inmates in Nigerian Custodial Centres while calling for more stakeholders’ collaborative effort for the rehabilitation of released inmates.
The initiative, which was flagged off at the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre in Abuja is targeted at inmates with fines not exceeding N1 million Naira, has been described by stakeholders as a pivotal step in the commitment to transform Nigeria’s custodial and non-custodial facilities.
Applauding the minister, executive director of LGCF Mrs. Kanayo Olisa-Metuh said the initiative not only “aligns with international human rights standards and effective correctional ractices but also resonates with her organisation’s mission to achieve systematic change in the overall welfare of the underserved.”
She urged the federal government to take further action to ensure proper reintegration of the inmates into the society so as to reduce the challenge of recidivism.
According to her, “Our work has been centred on Access to Justice, Rehabilitation and Proper reintegration of ex-inmates into the society. Whilst this initiative by the ministry will lead to decongestion of Correctional Centres and other positive changes, the government should take further actions to ensure recidivism is reduced and that the released inmates are properly reintegrated into the society.
“With loss of livelihood and oftentimes nowhere to go to, released inmates are sometimes left to wander, which leads some to go back to crime. We suggest that the Government look towards establishing half way homes or centres for ex-inmates to cushion the effects of incarceration and ultimately ease their return back into society.
“This can be done by engaging in partnerships with civil societies and the private sector. We also urge the State Governments to ensure that in establishing State Correctional Centres, provisions are also made to establish these half way homes and centers” .
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