The Federal Government has revealed that approximately 67% of inmates in correctional facilities nationwide are awaiting trial.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to enhance the efficiency of correctional services.
“States are legally permitted to operate their correctional centres, just like the federal government. However, about 72% of inmates are state offenders, and roughly 67% of all inmates are awaiting trial. This means that while the majority are state offenders, the Federal Government currently bears the responsibility for them,” he explained.
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Tunji-Ojo added that the government is focused on solutions rather than blame. “As the President often says, we were elected to deliver results, not to make excuses. We will work closely with governors to develop a shared strategy to address the challenges in our correctional system,” he said.
In July, the minister announced that the Federal Government had freed 4,550 inmates as part of efforts to decongest prisons. This followed a review prioritising individuals charged with minor, bailable offences and those facing prolonged detention.
He reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to overhauling correctional centres across the country, despite the poor state in which they were found when the President assumed office in 2023.
