Minister says FG pardoned 4,000 prisoners, saved N1bn feeding cost

On Thursday, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, announced that the Federal Government had released over 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding. This move resulted in a savings of N1 billion in feeding costs for inmates. The minister shared this information during the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja. Tunji-Ojo further explained that the initiative focused on identifying detainees who were imprisoned for minor offenses, leading to their prompt release.
He said, “We decongested our correctional centres by five per cent last year,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
“Last year, just over 4,000 inmates were released in one day. All we did was conduct a detailed analysis and found that many inmates were there due to petty fines. This project allowed us to release over 4,082 inmates, saving the government N1bn year in feeding costs.”
He also revealed that in 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps across the country.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that nearly 205 trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products were seized, and more than 700 suspects were arrested in connection with these illicit activities.
The squad also secured 345 convictions, with an additional 187 cases still pending in court.
He said, “In 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps.
“Close to 205 trucks conveying illegally refined petroleum products have been impounded while more than 700 suspects and accomplices have been arrested.
“Notably, the corps have secured over 345 convictions while about 187 cases are still ongoing in the law court.”