The federal government has released a total of 64 inmates from the various Custodial Centres in Edo State as part of its efforts to decongest Custodial Centres in Nigeria and to give indigent convicted inmates a second chance to turn a new leaf.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, through SC Aminu S. Suleman, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command.
The statement said that the inmates regained their freedom following the payment of their judgment fines and compensation as facilitated by the Minister of Interior Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at no cost to the federal government.
In an event prior to the release of the inmates, the Controller of Corrections Edo State Command Emehinola Philomena addressed the inmates on behalf of the Controller General of Corrections (CGC) Haliru Nababa, FICMC, MFR, mni, expressing appreciation to the Hon. Minister for this praise worthy initiative which has reduced the number of inmates in Custody as well as brought about renewed hope to those in custody thereby assisting in the process of inmates control, reformation, rehabilitation and effective reintegration.
She thereafter advised the inmates to be of good behaviour as they reunite with their families and interact with others in the general society.
They were enjoined to pursue genuine means of livelihood and not to engage in any action that will lead them into crime or return to Custody.
In her words, she said: “You should treasure this opportunity and be good ambassadors of the training and reformation you have received while in Custody. Therefore you should live a positive life outside.”
On behalf of the excited inmates, Mr. Julius Micheal expressed gratitude to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Hon. Minister of Interior, the Controller General of Correctional Service and the entire staff of the Service for the rare privilege of being granted freedom before their due date.
He promised that they will all be of good behaviour to reciprocate government kindness and also promised to be change agents in the society.
Recall that these selected indigent inmates also had a week pre-release training to further prepare them to adjust accordingly to life situations outside custody.
The 64 released inmates in Edo State regained their freedom from Medium Security Custodial Centres Oko, Benin (Old), Ubiaja, Auchi and Custodial Farm Centre Ogba, Benin City.
The release exercise climaxed with the presentation of the sum of N10,000 to each of the ex-inmates as support for their transportation back to their various homes.
