The Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion has set free five inmates and recommended three for bail from the Nigerian Maximum Security Correctional Centre in Ilorin.

A statement by Modupe Ogundoro, a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, said the committee was led by its chairman, former FCT High Court chief judge, Ishaq Bello.

Ms Ogundoro said the fines of two inmates were paid, just as transportation money was given to the five released inmates by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Mr Bello explained that the committee was mandated to visit the facilities in the country and make a situational assessment of the condition of inmates and prison facilities.

“We are looking at the environment, medical facilities, hygiene and general cleanliness,” he explained.

He further mentioned that the committee also had the responsibility to assess and free inmates who met the set down criteria and pay the fines of inmates who had the option of fine.

According to Mr Bello, others to be considered were aged inmates, those with terminal illnesses, and inmates who had stayed longer in prison concerning the offences they were convicted of.

The chairman also emphasised the committee’s mandate to ensure that prisons have skills acquisition centres to rehabilitate and redefine inmates before they are released to integrate into the larger society.

The comptroller, Kwara command of the service, Baba Aliyu, expressed optimism that the committee’s mission to the facility would be successful.

The chief judge of Kwara, Suleiman Kawu, said the judiciary was happy to have the committee. He expressed optimism that the committee would deliver on its mandate at the prison facility through decongestion and reformation.

(NAN)