The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to extend mercy to deserving inmates as a strategic move to alleviate the congestion in correctional centers across Nigeria.
Embracing a motion initiated by Chinedu Okay (APC, Ebonyi), the House called upon the Federal Ministry of Justice to expedite justice delivery in the nation, streamline bail conditions, and thereby reduce delays in the legal process. It further advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s correctional system, encompassing the modernization of custodial facilities, construction of new centers, and reformation of the bail system.
The legislators emphasized the necessity for sustainable measures to tackle the overcrowding in the nation’s 244 correctional facilities, emphasizing the implementation of non-custodial alternatives and the promotion of effective inmate reformation, rehabilitation, and integration.
Addressing the House, Ogah highlighted the inadequate facilities faced by over 70,000 inmates, noting that some remain incarcerated without formal charges while others struggle to meet court-imposed fines despite case resolutions.
Concerns were raised regarding the protracted nature of unresolved cases, which exacerbate prison overcrowding across various regions. The House also noted the disproportionate representation of federal offenders compared to state-level offenses, highlighting the need for concerted efforts from both federal and state governments to address the correctional challenges.
In response, the House proposed legislative measures to expedite justice delivery, examine the roles of both federal and state governments in correctional matters, and devise sustainable solutions to alleviate congestion and enhance inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.
