Nearly 8,000 inmates released to ease prison overcrowding
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has revealed that federal and state governments, along with chief justices, have pardoned or released 7,900 inmates to address Nigeria’s congested correctional centres. The Nigerian Correctional Service reports that the inmate population now stands at 78,119, well above capacity. A significant portion of these inmates are awaiting trial for serious offences. Authorities are collaborating to speed up judicial processes and reduce delays.
What we know
- Between January 2022 and December 2025, 7,900 inmates were pardoned or released by the authorities.
- In 2022, at least 707 inmates were pardoned; in 2023, 4,678; in 2024, 1,843; and in 2025, at least 730.
- On November 18, 2023, 4,068 inmates were discharged after N585m was raised to settle fines.
- In October 2025, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to decongesting custodial centres.
- Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that the ministry is working closely with the Attorney-General’s office to speed up convictions and reduce delays.
