The Federal Government has paid N6 million as fines and compensation for the release of 47 inmates in the correctional facilities in Ondo State.
It also gave N10,000 as transportation fare to the beneficiaries.
Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, who addressed the inmates, said it was to give them a second chance at life.
Represented by Olatunji Odewumi, the minister said 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide have been freed. He said paying the fines and compensation was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to decongest correctional centres across the country.
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He said: “To the Correctional Officers, very soon you will be proud to call yourself a Correctional Officer. The payment of fines for 47 inmates is our bid to decongest correctional centres.
“All inmates in custodian who have fines or compensation not exceeding N1 million are qualified. We are also giving them transportation to take them back home. They will get N10,000 each. This is to let you know that President Tinubu is interested in every Nigerian. Anywhere you are, Renewed Hope agenda will get to you. In line with the mantra of President Tinubu, the benefitting inmates are being giving a second chance to life.
“The President is worried about your welfare and, very soon, you will begin to see the changes. You, the Correctional officers have a stake to ensure the offenders are properly reformed. We will support offenders’ reformatory process.”
Comptroller of Corrections in Ondo State, Jude Agboje, said the inmates were selected across the state.