Nigerian Interior Minister: 93% of Inmates Are State Offenders, Many Should Not Be Jailed
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reveals that 93% of Nigeria's inmates are held for state-level offenses, with many unnecessarily incarcerated. The disclosure follows the recent release of 4,000 prisoners.
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93% of inmates in Nigerian custodial facilities are being held for state-level offenses, according to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Only 7% are serving time for federal crimes, he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that a significant number of these inmates do not require incarceration. “Many of them should not be in prison,” he stated, citing overcrowding and inefficient justice processes. The minister did not specify exact criteria for non-federal offenses but emphasized that many detainees are held for minor or non-violent charges.
This revelation follows the mass release of 4,000 inmates in a single day, an action attributed to ongoing reforms aimed at decongesting prisons. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Interior, focuses on reviewing cases of those detained for prolonged periods without trial or serving sentences for minor infractions.
According to Vanguard News, Tunji-Ojo said the government is working with state authorities to identify and release eligible inmates. Business Day reported his statement that the high proportion of state offenders underscores a need for legal and judicial restructuring at the subnational level.
The minister’s comments highlight systemic challenges in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, where delays in case processing and disparities in sentencing contribute to prison overcrowding. No further data on inmate demographics or release criteria was provided.