TheCable

Joke Aladesanmi, a human rights lawyer, has called on the federal government to ensure that inmates who were recently released in states across the federation, are adequately catered for.

On April 9, 2020, the federal government had announced the decision to grant amnesty to 2,600 inmates in correctional facilities across the country, as part of efforts to decongest the facilities and limit the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement, Aladesanmi applauded the decision, but said efforts should be put in place to ensure proper reintegration of the released inmates into society, considering the restriction on movement in states.

“While it is good news that the Federal Government has put into consideration the state of health and wellbeing of the inmates, it is however important that the Federal and State governments take further steps in ensuring that the released inmates are adequately cared and catered for throughout this period of uncertainty,” the lawyer said.

“It is pertinent to state that most of the inmates who will benefit from this development have lost touch with their families and loved ones or might even have difficulties travelling to their respective states of residence or origin as the boundaries for most states are presently closed.

“It is undeniable that persons who fall within this category might have to find other means of survival which may include resorting to crime commission.

“It is therefore my recommendation that the government should make adequate provision for the inmates to ensure their sustenance throughout the period of the lockdown and beyond.”

The lawyer also recommended that the government ensure that the affected persons are handed over to relatives who can guarantee their safety and account for them when necessary.

“I wish to stress that the lives of all inmates are as important as that of any other Nigerian, hence it is necessary that the released inmates have adequate provisions that would ease their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society which in return would lead to a reduction in social vices and security instability,” she added.

“In conclusion, I call on the Nigerian Government to sustain the decongestion measures beyond this pandemic period as inmates are very vulnerable to various ailments due to the overcrowding of the prisons.”