Over 1,450 inmates in Nigeria have been granted amnesty from January to September 2024 to alleviate prison overcrowding, according to recent reports.
This initiative began in November 2023 with the release of 4,068 inmates, mainly those detained for failure to pay fines. The effort was supported by N585 million in Corporate Social Responsibility donations from various organizations.
Throughout the first nine months of 2024, several state governors and Chief Judges have been instrumental in securing the release of inmates. Notably, governors of Benue, Nasarawa, Gombe, and Taraba states collectively released 96 inmates on New Year’s Day.
On March 19, the Headford Foundation, a non-governmental organization, facilitated the release of 628 wrongfully detained inmates across several states.
Subsequent releases included 38 inmates pardoned by the Oyo State Chief Judge on March 20, 96 inmates freed by the Bauchi State Governor on March 22, and 24 inmates released by the Rivers State’s Chief Judge the same month.
On April 9, the Katsina State Governor secured the release of 222 inmates by settling their fines.
The trend continued with the Ogun State’s Chief Judge granting clemency to 49 inmates on April 29 and 30, followed by releases in May by various governors.
The most recent releases occurred on September 12 when the Adamawa State Chief Judge discharged 156 inmates during a visit to correctional centers in Yola.
Concerns have been raised by the Nigerian Correctional Service about the stigma faced by ex-offenders, hindering their reintegration into society.
The NCoS spokesperson highlighted the challenges ex-offenders face, urging for a change in societal attitudes to provide equal opportunities for their rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
Stigmatization of ex-offenders not only undermines their rehabilitation but also poses a security risk by impeding their contribution to national development. Supporting the NCoS’s rehabilitation efforts and creating a welcoming environment for ex-offenders is crucial for societal benefit.
It is essential to refrain from stigmatizing ex-offenders and instead support their reintegration efforts to build a better society for all.