PeacePro Urges Release of 90% of Inmates to Ease Overcrowding

A Nigerian civil society group is calling for the release of up to 90 percent of inmates in state correctional centres. They say most detainees are awaiting trial or serve minor sentences that do not merit prolonged jail time. The group points to recent data from the Interior Ministry showing 93 percent of inmates are held on state offences. An audit of those jailed over minor fines and compensation orders led to an immediate 5 percent drop in the prison population. PeacePro highlights the success of expanded education and vocational training in reducing recidivism. They stress that rehabilitation, not long prison terms, offers a smarter path to public safety. The organisation is urging governors, judges, the Nigerian Correctional Service and legal authorities to review non-violent cases. It wants wider use of community service, probation, restorative justice and fines instead of incarceration.

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