Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the programme is targeted at poor inmates who cannot afford to pay their fines.
He said the Federal Government has raised five hundred and eighty five million naira to be used for the payment of fines to secure the release of four thousand, sixty eight inmates across the federation.
According to the minister, the money was raised by corporate bodies and philanthropists for this purpose.
He added that the initiative was targeted at inmates with fines and compensation that do not exceed one million naira, stressing that the government’s commitment to transform custodial and non-custodial facilities was initiated to align with international human rights standards and effective correctional practices which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision.
