Nigeria's Justice System: 93% of Inmates for State Offences

During the Regional Conference on the Classification of Prisoners and the Use of Technology in Prisons in Africa on July 22, 2026, in Abuja, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, disclosed that 93% of inmates in Nigeria's custodial facilities are incarcerated for state offences, while only 7% face federal offences.

He noted that between 30% and 50% of these inmates may be serving time for offences that do not warrant imprisonment. Following an audit initiated upon his appointment, over 4,000 inmates were released, many of whom were detained for minor fines or compensation orders.

Tunji-Ojo criticized the economic irrationality of maintaining such inmates, stating that the cost of their upkeep far exceeded the fines owed. The audit led to a 5% decongestion of correctional facilities in a single day.

This situation underscores the broader issues of overcrowding and the classification of offenders within Nigeria's penal system.