Over 4,000 inmates freed in push for justice reform, says Tunji-Ojo

The federal government says it has released over 4,000 inmates from correctional centres across the country as part of efforts to reform the justice system.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, spoke on Thursday during a meeting with Chinedu Ogah, chairman of the house of representatives committee on reformatory institutions, in Abuja.

He said the number of inmates in custody has dropped from over 86,000 to about 81,450 following a review focused on cases involving minor offences.

“The correctional service remains a key priority. We must uphold the dignity of even the most vulnerable citizens,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo commended the national assembly for supporting the ministry’s reforms and described the executive-legislative partnership as crucial to delivering sustainable change.

Ogah said the minister’s interventions align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for justice reform and national development.

The federal intervention comes amid similar efforts at the state level to reduce overcrowding in custodial centres.

In May, Halima Mohammed, chief judge of Gombe, ordered the release of 85 inmates from Gombe and Billiri custodial centres in the state.

The move followed visits to four facilities by the state’s criminal justice and inquiry committee.

The chief judge said the visits were aimed at identifying inmates eligible for bail or unconditional release.