Image of Nigerian prison barsIn a move aimed at decongesting prisons and promoting rehabilitation, the Federal Government on Thursday, December 8, 2023, released 15 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Prison.
The freed inmates, who had been serving various terms of imprisonment, were each given a token of N10,000 to assist them in reintegrating into society.
The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, who was represented by the Deputy Controller-General, Emmanuel Okoro, said the gesture was part of the government's efforts to decongest prisons and promote the rehabilitation of offenders.
He urged the released inmates to turn a new leaf and become responsible citizens.
Nababa further stated:
"We have given you a second chance at life. I urge you to make the best of it and contribute meaningfully to society. Remember, crime does not pay."
One of the released inmates, who spoke on behalf of the others, expressed gratitude to the government for their release.
"We are grateful to the government for giving us this opportunity to start afresh. We promise to be law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to society," he said.
The release of the 15 inmates brings to 45 the total number of inmates freed by the government in the past two months. The government has also embarked on a series of measures to decongest prisons, including the review of custodial sentences and the granting of parole and clemency.
This move by the federal government has been lauded by human rights groups and other stakeholders who believe it will help to reduce prison overcrowding and promote the rehabilitation of offenders.
It is hoped that the released inmates will make the most of their second chance and become productive members of society.
FG frees 15 inmates, gives them N10k each - Vanguard News (vanguardngr.com)
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