Prison decongestion: Falana hails Tunji-Ojo
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his initiative to decongest the correctional centers in Nigeria. In a statement signed as the Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Falana expressed appreciation for the Minister’s efforts.
Falana acknowledged the Minister’s plan to pay the fines of 4,000 convicts totaling N500 million within the next four weeks to secure their release. He recognized the importance of this initiative in addressing the issue of overcrowded correctional facilities.
“The minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo deserves commendation for the initiative to decongest the correctional centres”, Falana said.
While applauding the Minister for his proactive approach, Falana also suggested an alternative course of action. He proposed that the N500 million earmarked for paying fines be redirected towards improving the welfare of inmates in the correctional centers while exploring other decongestion policies. Specifically, he recommended that the Minister request President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors to exercise their prerogative of mercy, thereby granting pardon to the convicts who are unable to pay the fines due to financial constraints.
Falana’s commendation of the Minister’s initiative highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by inmates and the urgent need for decongesting the correctional facilities. It also underlines the significance of a comprehensive approach to criminal justice reform in Nigeria.
