Federal Government, in collaboration with Prisoners Rehabilitation Welfare Action (PRAWA), have released 37 inmates from the Kuje medium custodial and Suleja center having paid their fine.
This was part of the measure initiated by the minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola to decongest the custodial center around the country .
According to reports, Truthlive news learnt that the fines, which ranged between N15,000 and N130,000, were paid by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and PRAWA for the release of the inmates who couldn’t afford the fine.
While speaking to newsmen on Friday at the Kuje custodial center, the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCOS), for the FCT Command, Ibrahim Idris, who handed over five of the released inmates to officials of the PRAWA, said all the conditions for their release has been met.
He commended Aregbeshola for initiating the process leading to the release at the recent National Conference on Prisons Decongestion.
He said that 37 inmates had their fines paid for them, noting that some of them were jailed for minor offences, with options of fine but were unable to raise the money.
“We are releasing five from here today in Kuje, four others are having their documents being processed and they would be released immediately. So far 37 are going to have their freedom from the two centres.
“The Chief Judges of the FCT and Niger have been here, and they have keyed into the gesture, which is aimed at decongestion of our facilities,” Idris added.
Also, Speaking on behalf of PRAWA, its Deputy Director, Ogechi Ogu said the inmates should be assisted in the areas of rehabilitation by public spirited persons to enable them integrate into the community and create out a decent living for themselves.