Three Inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre, Ogun State, regained their freedom on Tuesday after a non- governmental organization assisted in paying the alternative fines on conviction.
The International President of the NGO Norsemen International Klub Chidi Bishop Anokwu also announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) and General Certificate of Education fees of 10 female inmates will be paid for the 2024/25 examination.
Anokwu said the gesture is aimed at decongesting the prisons and rehabilitating inmates.
Superintendent in charge, Maximum Custodian Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, Opadeji Ayoola said the three inmates recommended by the prison authority to enjoy the privilege have found it difficult to pay their fines but have been of good conduct while in custody.
The head of the NGO announced that 100 of such inmates enjoyed the privilege across the country and in extension, female inmates’ education has also been a priority to the organization.
The prison authority also appealed to non-governmental organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of correction centers across the country in any capacity to rehabilitate inmates and help in payment of fines to help decongest the prisons.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)