The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has yesterday revealed in an effort to decongest the Nigerian correctional Centers that the Federal Government has pardoned about 4,000 inmates spread across some correctional facilities, thereby, saving N1bn less from inmate feeding costs.
The minister made this revelation while speaking at the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja yesterday.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the initiative identified many detainees who were imprisoned for minor offences that led to their swift release.
He said, “We decongested our correctional centers by five per cent last year,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
“Last year, just over 4,000 inmates were released in one day. All we did was conduct a detailed analysis and found that many inmates were there due to petty fines. This project allowed us to release over 4,082 inmates, saving the government N1bn year in feeding costs.”
The Minister also revealed that in 2024 alone, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps across the country.
He also added that about 205 trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products were seized, and more than 700 suspects involved in the illegality were arrested.
Accordingly, the office secured 345 convictions, while additional 187 cases are still pending in court.
“In 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps, the minister revealed.
“Close to 205 trucks conveying illegally refined petroleum products have been impounded while more than 700 suspects and accomplices have been arrested.
“Notably, the corps have secured over 345 convictions while about 187 cases are still ongoing in the law court.”