He explained the released inmates were mostly held for minor, bailable offences or had experienced extended detention without trial.
The Federal Government has released 4,550 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide in a major push to decongest overcrowded centres, reducing the inmate population from over 86,000 to about 81,450.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this during a meeting with the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, in Abuja.
“This is part of broader prison reforms aimed at aligning our correctional practices with global best standards,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He explained the released inmates were mostly held for minor, bailable offences or had experienced extended detention without trial.
“Our correctional centres house some of the most vulnerable people… It is our moral and constitutional obligation to treat them with dignity and fairness,” he stated.
A statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Ozoya Imohimi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice and institutional reforms.
Ogah praised the reforms as aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged strong oversight to ensure their full implementation.