......warns personnel against accepting inmates without detention warrants

The Federal Government has called on the United Nations to support Nigeria’s efforts at reforming its correctional service and decongesting its custodial facilities


Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during his presentation at the International Donor Round Table on Correctional Service Reform organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC

In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the Minister at the event, noted that decongesting the facilities demands the urgent attention of government, civil society groups, and international communities

He said, “There is a lot to do in the area of decongesting our custodial facilities. From our audits, we have too many inmates who are awaiting trials. We also have many others who are illegally detained.

“With over 80,000 inmates, we were able to decongest by only 5% with the N585 million fines we cleared last Saturday.

“Today, we seek the support of the United Nations as there is an urgent need for government, civil society groups, and the international communities to contribute their quota to re-engineering the system.

“This is the era of Renewed Hope. We need to partner with you to see how we can leverage on your technical expertise.”

On abuse of power by custodial facility controllers, which had become commonplace before now, the Minister frowned at such development, noting that the Renewed Hope agenda of the President was set to crack down and expel anyone caught in the act.

“Any controller caught taking money from a big man to lock up a poor man without a detention warrant will be expelled from the service


“We are here to fill in the gap for the weakest in the society. We are here, as a government, to be the voice of the voiceless, and the strength of the weakest. Never again should the freedom of anybody be taken away on the basis of his weakness,” he stated.


Speaking on giving hope to Nigerians and delivering on the mandate of government, the Minister assured the United Nations team that the current administration is key to doing things differently in order to earn the trust of its citizens and the international communities.


“Trust is something you don’t ask for – you earn it. This government wants to work to earn your trust and loyalty. We are doing things differently, and ready to deliver on the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu where Nigerians can have a better life, and brighter future,” the Minister said.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale, commended the Minister for his proactive measures since taking over the helm of affairs of the Ministry.

“I want to commend you for the good job you are doing. I am aware of the great things you have done,” he said


Held in the UN House in Abuja, the round table saw the participation of top officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, UNODC, UNFPA, concerned NGOs, diplomats, and international communities including the Italian Ambassador, and representatives of the governments of Germany, Qatar and the USA

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/11/nigeria-seeks-un-assistance-on-prison-reforms-decongestion/

This is the era of Renewed Hope. We need to partner with you to see how we can leverage on your technical expertise.”

Another good news coming our way, Thank you Hon. Minister sir.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the only minister that has surpassed my imagination, he transformed the ministry of interior within a short time in terms of new reforms and services.

Using a pleasant headline to decorate evil agenda. You choose cure over prevention.

This arrangement is considered a good development. But does it fall among the kinds of development Nigeria needs most at this moment? Prison rehabilitation is all about rehabilitating those who are already criminals. It does not address the increasing rate of crime in Nigeria. It does not in any way ensure that more youths will not go into crime in the nearby future. You want to focus on rehabilitating prisons while the bad system and economic hardship keep producing more prisoners. Is this the best way to go? The pure truth here is that the people in power will use this collaboration with the UN to cash out.

If Nigeria's collaboration with the UN is trusted, why hasn't Nigeria released a prisoner as directed by the UN?

Acknowledging proactive efforts and receiving commendation from Mr. Matthias Schmale at the UN House in Abuja underscores the commitment of the Minister and his team towards realizing positive change. Engaging diverse stakeholders showcases a collective push for a brighter future.

Madness

The same UN that told them to release a prisoner granted bail by the courts and they refused?

Him. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo is taking all the necessary steps to fulfill his promises in alliance with the renewed hope agenda.

Everything that will protect the interest, position the nation for development and portray the right image of Nigeria is welcomed.

With the intervention of UN, I believe things will work. Many innocent are suffering in the prison. Thank you minister for your intervention.

The Minister of Interior is passionate about his job, no doubt. May God help him deliver.

It's amazing the reforms this government through Minister Olubunmi is working on as it relates to the correctional centers. Lives will truly be transformed.

Nigeria is on the right track with Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

We pray for more good news

I just hope and believe they will allow this exercise to be fruitful

A very good development, no longer should anyone be locked up on the bases of their weakness..

A welcomed Development.

International partnership on Correctional services reform will help in exploring other avenues possible towards achieving the Reform we desire

This Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo promise to change Nigeria system and that is what he has been doing since he resume office. Thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us someone like him to take Nigeria to a better place

Lol you guys are looking for a grant or what? The UN is not going to tell you that you don't already know. You already know most of your inmates are awaiting trial. That means the bail conditions are either too stiff or the court process is too slow. The federal government can set up bail schedules for crimes. Lastly give time served to prisoners if the accept a guilty plea.

After 2025 the federal government should stop accepting inmates guilty of violating state laws. States should be building their own jails just like the do their own court houses.

“Any controller caught taking money from a big man to lock up a poor man without a detention warrant will be expelled from the service

On top of banning them from the Civil service they should spend time in prison. A good 5 years will scare these idiots straight. The risk to reward needs to deter then.

Hardworking minister

Another good move by the minister, taking every available opportunity is how to make significant progress.

More capital punishment

At least equip them with skills so they can be of use to themselves

Blue3k:
Lol you guys are looking for a grant or what? The UN is not going to tell you that you don't already know. You already know most of your inmates are awaiting trial. That means the bail conditions are either too stiff or the court process is too slow. The federal government can set up bail schedules for crimes. Lastly give time served to prisoners if the accept a guilty plea.

After 2025 the federal government should stop accepting inmates guilty of violating state laws. States should be building their own jails just like the do their own court houses.



On top of banning them from the Civil service they should spend time in prison. A good 5 years will scare these idiots straight. The risk to reward needs to deter then.

You nail it all

TheRareGem1:
......warns personnel against accepting inmates without detention warrants



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/11/nigeria-seeks-un-assistance-on-prison-reforms-decongestion/

Un to come help una do right investigation or what?

Abegi! Na the whole of Nigeria need reform joor.

From people wen dey cook Very Bad food give those Prisoner to the people wen dey cut their food allocation to the corrupt wanders and police wen dey do illegal raid to replace criminals.

Build more prison fotress