30-50% of Offences Don't Warrant Incarceration, Says Minister

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, revealed that 30-50% of offences committed by inmates in correctional centers across Africa do not warrant incarceration. Speaking at a conference in Abuja, he urged correctional authorities to assess the true state of prison overcrowding.

He disclosed that 93% of inmates in Nigeria's correctional facilities are held for state offences, with a significant number incarcerated for minor infractions. Tunji-Ojo called for a review of records for inmates held for minor offences, advocating for alternatives to incarceration.

He pointed out the economic logic of reducing the number of minor offenders behind bars, citing the cost implications for the government. Additionally, he noted a sharp decline in recidivism rates, with cases dropping from 13,000 annually to 1,000 in the last year, linked to expanded access to education and vocational training for inmates.

Sylvest Ndidi Nwakuch, of the Nigerian Correctional Service, emphasized the need for modernizing the correctional system.