Over 70% Inmates At Correctional Centres Are Awaiting Trial- Interior Minister, Tuni-Ojo

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has revealed that over 70 percent of the total population of inmates in the nation’s correctional centres are awaiting trial.

The Minister also revealed that over 4,000 inmates in correctional centres across the country over their inability to pay fines slammed on them by judges and magistrates.

He assured that the number of inmates in the correctional facilities would be reduced to 40 per cent if non-custodial alternatives as provided for in the Correctional Service Act are explored.

“Over 70 percent of the 79,000 inmates are awaiting trial.

“We have over 4,000 inmates in the facilities for their inability to pay various fines. We believe we can reduce the number of inmates in our correctional facilities by about forty percent if we explore non-custodial alternatives as provided for in the Correctional Service Act.”

The Minister stated that the EU could support the country in deploying technology to buffer and enhance border management architecture within the country.

“The European Union is important to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Our relationship with the EU is historical in terms of but not limited to bilateral support.

“If we are able to solve crime and migration problems in Nigeria, Africa will be better for it. Due to the boundaries, Africa shares with the EU, our problems are more of an EU problem than any other part of the world. And, because we are committed to solving this, we will explore all avenues.”

Tunji-Ojo urged the EU to support the Federal Government’s plan to carry out an audit of all correctional centres.

He noted that the ministry is working on key reforms, especially in areas of travel documentation processes and knowledge transfer.

“We have commenced the process to unbottle the bottlenecks in our international passport application and collection process. Today, we have made huge progress. We are also working on ways to reduce identity theft. We want to make sure the green passport regains its pride and integrity,” the Minister said.