Federal Government Plans Empowerment Of Inmates After Prison Term

The Federal Government has said that it was working on partnership opportunities with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the areas of empowering inmates after the completion of their term as well as facilitating pro bono litigation services for those awaiting trials.

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after an unscheduled visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Taking to his verified Facebook page, the Minister disclosed that he undertook the visit alongside the President of NBA, Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, saying the initiative was aimed at decongesting custodial centres and also preparing inmates for smooth integration into the society.

Tunji-Ojo wrote: “Our job is to lead from the front, always. Today, alongside the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, I paid an unscheduled visit to the Kuje Custodial Centre where I related first-hand with officers on duty and inmates at the facility.

“At the Ministry of Interior, we are working on partnership opportunities with the NBA, especially in areas of empowering inmates after the completion of their term as well as facilitating Pro Bono litigation service for those awaiting trials.

“This way, the Renewed Hope government can further decongest our centres and also prepare inmates for smooth integration into the society to reduce recidivism.”